In 1859, the McClellan model cavalry saddle specifications were extensively revised from the previously tested Pattern of 1857 McClellan (commonly referred to as the Trial Saddle). One of these alterations was the substitution of the hardware used for the bridle, saddlebags, carbine loop and coat straps with that made of ‘blued malleable iron’. Many collectors…
Anyone that has worked with a number of surplus war contract M1904 McClellans will likely have run across this variation in the brass mortice plates, also known by the manufacturers name as ‘saddle ovals’. In general, nearly all McClellans used the smaller, slightly elongated form. Occasionally, you’ll find a mortice plate that is rounder shape,…
A J.M. Hays Wood Products Co. makers label, commonly found on their WW1 McClellan contract saddletrees. This is about 1″ tall and complete is about 4″ long. This was applied on the paint applied to the tree, before the rawhide cover was sewn on. As you can see with this particular example, the paper label…
No. 1879 PRICE LIST OF SMALL ARMS AND HAND ARMS SMALL ARMS AMMUNITION PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS OF THE SOLDIER (COMPRISING INFANTRY, CAVALRY, ARTILLERY, AND BAND EQUIPMENTS) HORSE EQUIPMENTS OFFICERS’ EQUIPMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES FOR THE USE OF TROOP, BATTERY, AND COMPANY ORGANIZATIONS REVISED MAY 20, 1908 REVISED MARCH 1, 1910 REVISED FEBRUARY 1, 1913 WASHINGTON GOVERNMENT…
ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE WAR DEPARTMENT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1897 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ORDNANCE WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1897 excerpt from page 8 EQUIPMENTS From 1865 until about a year ago our saddles have been made from saddletrees which were left on hand at the close of the war….
