Origin of the McClellan Pattern Military Saddles

A quick and easy collection of the various articles posted here, concerning the development of the first McClellan pattern military saddle.  It’s a complex history, and this will help in following the process: 

Horse Equipment Trials of the 1850s – how did all this confusion come about?  The failure of the Grimsley horse equipment pattern led to a somewhat methodical look at various patterns to see what would work better.

The Campbell Military Saddle – the first attempted Grimsley replacement, ordered and published in General Orders as a new dragoon horse equipment type, that very quickly failed and did not end up replacing the Grimsley pattern.  This is important, as the style of this saddle was altered and approved by board of officers (albeit ‘provisionally’) – this was the style they wanted.

The Delafield Commission – how George B. McClellan came to the place where his name was associated with the development of the new horse equipment set for cavalry and dragoons.

Jones and Hope Saddles – The Also-Rans – horse equipment types and styles (Jones and Hope) that didn’t make the cut, but are important to look at since historians in the past have sometimes come to confusing conclusions about them.  

Henry Knox Craig and the McClellan Pattern – a look at WHO was the most influential person in the adoption process for the McClellan pattern horse equipments – and spoiler, it wasn’t actually Capt. McClellan.

The First McClellan Saddle – Pattern of 1857 –  an examination of the Pattern of 1857 Trial model McClellan, with detailed photos and description of the sole existing specimen in Denmark.