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ca. 1840 – 1865 OFFICER’S BRASS STIRRUPS –
EXCELLENT, ATTRACTIVE PAIR:
This matched pair of
decorative brass stirrups is the identical pattern of
the two pairs of brass stirrups pictured on pages 284
and 285 of The American Military Saddle, 1776-1945.
Both of those pairs were found on Civil War era
officers’ McClellan Saddles, one of those saddles being
a very high grade brass bound example with a full
quilted seat.
These stirrups are of the type incorporated into the
higher grade officers’ saddles of the Dragoon and Civil
War periods, and are typical of the private purchase,
special order work available to the high ranking or
wealthy officer.
Measuring 6 ½”tall, and 4”
wide, with treads 2 ¼” deep, these stirrups incorporate
slotted treads with a hexagonal shaped cutout in the
center of the tread leaving substantial surfaces fore
and aft of the slot. These surfaces are roughened by
rows of hand applied gouges which raise a sharp point of
metal and provide a firm purchase for the sole of the
rider’s boot. This manner of roughening the tread dates
at least to the early standard issue Dragoon stirrups
and was still in use on the Model 1863 Artillery
Stirrup, further arguing for this set having been made
for the military officer market.
The stirrup strap loops
measures 1 ¼ ” wide and features a boxed configuration
which serves as a keeper which maintains the two layers
of the stirrup strap in line. In spite of their
graceful presentation, these are heavy brass stirrups
designed to withstand the wear and abuse of extended
field service – definitely intended for military use and
not a plantation gentleman’s saddle. This pair shows
very little wear, is in excellent condition with no
damage, and have a very pleasing old, deep patina.
This very fine pair of original early officer’s stirrups
would be an appropriate addition to complete an Eagle
Head Saddle, an Officer’s Grimsley Dragoon Saddle, or
one of the decorative officer’s McClellan Saddles dating
from the Civil War, or as an attractive set that would
display well on their own in your collection.
(0109) $450
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