Civil War McClellan inspection mark, circa 1863

Civil War McClellan inspection mark, circa 1863

This inspection mark was found on an original civil war 1863 vintage McClellan saddletree.  This specimen was found under a civilian saddle built circa 1880s.  This rather large, bold mark was present on both the rawhide and the wood, in roughly the same cantle position.  It appears to have been made with heavy printers ink…

US Pattern of 1859 Horse Equipments For The Cavalry Service

The following is gathered from the 1861 US Ordnance Manual, and describes completely the regulation ‘Pattern of 1859’ cavalry horse equipments.A complete set of horse equipments for cavalry troops consists of 1 bridle, 1 watering-bridle, 1 halter, 1 saddle, 1 pair of saddle-bags, 1 saddle-blanket, 1 surcingle, 1 pair of spurs, 1 curry-comb, 1 horse-brush, 1 picket-pin,…