CIVIL WAR MODEL 1859
McCLELLAN SADDLE BLUE WOOLEN GIRTH - EXCELLENT SPECIMEN:
This is a scarce offering of an original Civil War
period Model 1859 McClellan Saddle Woolen Girth, this
specimen is full length with all the components present
and intact. The standard pattern girth as described in
the 1861 Ordnance Department regulations, this
particular girth is identical to the Model 1859 Girth
pictured in Figure 2, page 234 of American Military
Saddles, 1776-1945. These woolen girths continued
in use after the Civil War until they were replaced by
the Model 1872 Girths.
The standard pattern girth
as described in the Ordnance Department regulations,
this girth is manufactured of indigo or medium blue
woolen webbing that still retains its vibrant original
color. This is one of two basic color variations that
have been noted on these girths – this medium blue and a
darker deep blue. Of the two color variations, this
medium blue seems to be the less common of the two. All
of the leather billets, keepers, the iron buckles and
“D” ring are present and intact, and the girth-billet
loop is sewn across the center of the girth.
The indigo webbing is in
excellent condition, full form with the exception of a
small pull of the material where the weave separated
from the stitching which anchors the leather safe. This
area is stable, the stitching is not affected, and there
is only minimal impact to the appearance of the girth.
It is possible this separation was the result of a
manufacturing flaw where the webbing was not entirely
captured by the stitching, noticed at the time the girth
was unpacked from the original crate, and rather than
issue it to a trooper the girth was set aside,
explaining why it has survived in such otherwise
excellent condition.
The leather components are
all very strong and pliable with clear smooth surfaces –
no crazing or flaking, and the iron buckles all freely
move. The girth measures 21 ¾” long and 4 ½” wide is
full length and retains its full form.
This is an excellent
example of a particularly scarce piece of Civil War
Cavalry horse equipment. Difficult to find in any
condition and usually missing from most collections,
finding these early girths in this condition is almost
impossible. This girth would certainly complement your
Civil War or early Indian
War Cavalry saddle collection and would be difficult to
upgrade.
SOLD
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