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…
You may view the Ringgold saddle patent here ( Patent via Google Patents ), where you will see the odd like figure (at right) prominently displayed on the first page. You will also see a rather well done line drawing of the actual saddletree itself. The main ‘innovation’ of this patent was the use of morticed…
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…
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…
In this article, we look at regulation US military metal stirrups of the 20th century. Stirrups are one of those small details in horse equipment that perform a vital function, and yet can take on so many interesting and curious styles and details. The 20th century brought a renewed vitality to the US military. The…
In the Summer 1984 edition of Military Collector & Historian magazine, there was a wonderful article by Frederick C. Gaede about the US blankets that were in the “Danish Exchange” collection at the War Museum (Krigsmuseet), in Copenhagen, Denmark. The background information on the exchange itself is as important as the article subject itself. I’ll…
