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  • /Lot 3599

Lot 3599:Rare U.S. Cavalry McClellan Saddle with Native American Brass Ta

April 25th, 2009|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3599

Lot 3599:Rare U.S. Cavalry McClellan Saddle with Native American Brass Ta

April 25th, 2009|Rock Island, IL
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Estimated Price$2,500 - $3,000
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Rare U.S. Cavalry McClellan Saddle with Native American Brass Tack Decorations

19th Century Army McClellan Saddle that has been Indian rigged, retaining the original stirrups and extensively decorated with the brass tacks favored by Native Americans. The front and rear of the pommel are covered with brass tacks. The rear face of the cantle has the same heavy tack decoration. A single line of tacks runs around the inside edge of the cantle and joins a double line of tacks that outline the lower edges of the seat. The leather outer cover on the saddle tree has been removed leaving the inner, rawhide, cover intact. The 1 11/16 by 2 1/2 inch brass pommel shield, embossed "12/INCH/SEAT", used to designate the saddle size remains on the pommel with the original black leather backing behind it. The stirrup strap loops on the side bars are the brass pattern used on Model 1885 and later pattern McClellan Saddles. The leather quarter-straps are attached to the saddle tree with copper rivets and are fastened to iron safe rings. The quarter-straps and safe rings appear to be original to the saddle. The stirrup straps have brass buckles and are attached to oak military stirrups. The stirrups have been stripped of the original leather hoods. The stirrups are the early pattern with narrow 3 inch treads used on Model 1859-Model 1874 McClellan saddles. The general configuration of the saddle tree, small pommel shield and brass strap loops and stirrup buckles indicate that is a Model 1885 or later pattern saddle that was stripped of all the military furniture and rigging and subsequently decorated and heavily used by a Native American owner. This is a really unique 19th Century McClellan Saddle.

ConditionFair. The saddle shows age and hard use, expected for a saddle from this time period. The rawhide cover on the saddle tree is darkened from age and the stitching on the side bars is split in several areas. There are holes in the rawhide on the cantle where the brass coat strap escutcheons were originally fitted. There are several period repairs in the quarter straps. The brass tack decorations have a dark untouched patina.
Details
TypeOther
ClassOther

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1374
Catalog page243
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