The Unit Saddler

The Unit Saddler

The field life of a unit saddler in a single image. This RPPC shows what must be a southern border encampment – perhaps Ft Bliss, from the mountains in the background. Looks like there are plenty of things to keep this fellow busy for some time – wagon harness bridles, halters, tarpaulins, and assorted strap…

Nall and Blackie

Nall and Blackie

Quite a formal presentation, with clean gauntlets – Nall’s buddy is sporting a M1912 combination halter-bridle and a M1912 cavalry saddle.  The rider is using a standard wool blanket instead of the felt pads of the M1912, so this might date a bit later in the short life of that particular model.  No indication of…

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Grimsley’s Dragoon, or Military Saddle-Tree

As found in Volume 1 of The Western journal, of agriculture, manufactures, mechanic arts, internal improvement, commerce, and general literature, 1848.  This brief outline contained much of the pertinent information about Thornton Grimsley’s dragoon saddle, it’s adoption by the US Army, and the patent acquired by Grimsley for certain features.  The nature of this invention…