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MODEL 1912
OFFICERS POMMEL POCKETS FOR THE MODEL 1912 TRIAL SADDLE
– VERY GOOD SCARCE SPECIMEN:
Introduced with the Model 1912 Officer’s Trial
Saddle, these Model 1912 Officer’s Pommel Pockets were
an integral part of that innovative saddle system. As
was the case with most of the Model 1912 Horse
Equipment, these Pommel Pockets were designed especially
for the Model 1912 Saddle and all that equipment
integrated to provide the officer with a well equipped,
secure saddle pack.
These Pommel Pockets consist of two generous sized
pockets, or bags, sewn to a base which was long enough
and contoured so as to pass over the pommel and hang
down on each side of the saddle. The pockets are sized
to accommodate specific pieces of equipment – the “near”
or left side pocket to carry the canteen with the cover
and the cup, and cooling strap, wire cutters, and in a
special compartment sewn to the back of the pocket, a
place to carry official papers. The “off” or right side
pocket carried the meat can, mess utensils, a folding
lantern if the officer desired, and calkins (a horse
shoe nail with an enlarged head used when traction on
ice or slippery surfaces require it) when necessary.
While showing some
evidence of issue and use, this set of Pommel Pouches
has survived in very good condition. The exterior
leather surfaces are bright and retain their original
finish. The leather is still quite pliable, has a
pleasant medium brown color and it is not oil soaked nor
is it showing any weakness, and notably, both gussets
are full form with no tearing or rot as is so often
seen.
All of the pouch body
seams are intact and both pouches are full form. The
interior mess utensil pockets are both intact, as are
the interior compartments sewn to the interior of pouch
back panels and both of those compartments are complete
with their integral flaps. The outer surface of the
back panels of both pouches still retain the three strap
loops through which the tie down straps were threaded.
One rivet burrs on one of the loops on the off side
pouch popped loose, but the loops is still firmly
anchored with the other rivet. Both pouches are
identified to the officer who owned this set of Pommel
Pouches with his name “G.G. RUGGLES” inscribed into the
outside surface of the back panels.
I was able to find a
photograph identified as Col. Golden G. Ruggles which
was taken ca. 1923. Given his rank at the time the
photograph was taken, Col. Ruggles was likely a company
grade officer when he used this set of Pommel Pockets,
quite possibly while on duty along the Mexican Border
during the Punitive Expedition period.
COL. GOLDEN G. RUGGLES
Both pouch flaps are
present and still very pliable. One of the seams on the
near side pouch flap has opened without any loss of
leather. The seam could be restored in a number of
different ways, none necessarily challenging, or the
flap could be left as is without detracting from the set
when displayed on a saddle. Otherwise, the balance of
both flaps is fully intact. The flap closing straps are
present, supple and full length, and the corresponding
buckles and chapes are likewise fully intact and
functional.
The center section, also known as the “yoke” or “seat”,
which passes over the pommel of the saddle is still
strong, pliable, and the two sections show no weakness.
One side of the yoke is stamped “ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
19__”, indicating this is a regulation set produced at
the arsenal.
The yoke retains both leather slot
keys and the brass slot reinforcing plates. The center
of the yoke where the two sections meet, as originally
made are sewn between two leather seam covers. The
stitching on the original upper cover gave way and at
some point this piece was replaced with another piece of
leather stitched in place. The repair was well executed
and the two sides of the yoke are solidly joined, in no
way weakening the yoke, and this set will display quite
well despite the repair.
In the overall scheme of
rarity and condition, I would rate this set well above
average and far better than is normally encountered.
One of the key elements of the
Model 1912 Officer’s Saddle, this set of Model 1912
Pommel Pockets is a significant addition to any U.S.
cavalry collection, particularly to complete your
saddle, and is of such quality that you may have few
opportunities to find a better example.
(0701)
$750
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