Society of the Military Horse

This was the TYPE of saddle used by US Army cavalry during WW1, and was very likely manufactured during the war. The skirts are a later modification - not the 'M1928' modification, but an interesting type none the less, and well done. Clearly a post-war civilian modification. The oblong pocket attac...

The dangers of old reenacting gear and eBay - buyer's need to know their stuff:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324623407948?m ... media=COPY

Good question. Would I be correct in assuming that the picket pin production would likely have ceased in that 1910 time frame, with the potential of a new Cavalry Board being seated, along the same lines as the 1910 Infantry Board intent on equipment modernization? These just don't strike me as 'pro...

Looks like US Ordnance Dept stamp.

I’ve seen this nearly exact stamp on the very infrequent M1904 saddle stirrup loop - I’m sure others have seen it in other places…

Here's an example of a recent find showing prime characteristics of pre-CW spanish saddle tree - of particular note is the one-piece pommel, with a separate horn cap (missing here).

Name: Mike Potter Subject: Saddle stamp Has entered the following message into the contact form: “WKO” is stamped on military saddle Any idea what that may mean? Thanks Depends - what type and nationality of military saddle? If it's a 20th century US saddle, it's very likely the Ordnance inspectors...

Had to notice - the 'Coca-Cola' sign painted on the roof of the building in the distance...

Lady astride - how risque!

Well, by 1922, probably not so much, though I'm sure there was some judgey looks from the oldsters.

Note in the QMD specification drawings from 1920 show the measurement being taken from the top of the bit branches. This was ALWAYS the method used to measure 1909 bits, as shown in this Nov 1911 Rock Island specification drawing. It can be a bit confusing as people assume that it refers to the widt...

Here is best shot of those you sent - something was odd with those images so that forum wouldn't post - I'll have to investigate that. This is definitely a Weymouth bit, nearly identical to military bits - although it might be nickel and not steel. However, it is not a military issue bit. Note there...

Guessing it looks a lot like this one: The 'BTC' are contractor marks for 'Bridgeport Tool Company' , iirc , a prominent WW1 US contractor. The 'US' marking shows US military issue, and numeric mark is the size code ( 1 to 4 ). The contractor mark is usually found on the outer surface where the mout...

Many Ordnance Dept and Quartermaster blueprints are available for the '36 equipment set, and perhaps some for the other you mention. I'm curious as to what saddle you are speaking of with the title "Ordnance Model 1916' - there were quite a number of experimental types in that time period, and ...

Common military-style field saddle, probably circa 1920-1940. A photo of the front of the saddle looking at the head might be useful - if there are slot openings, then it might have been a military field saddle that used the 'bayonet'-style pommel bags.

Might be useful to see the back - sometimes the fastening device and any makers mark can help id these.

I don't believe it's US military, as they inevitably have a motto included in their designs. The fleur-de-lis WITHOUT a motto makes me think Pat has a good track.

Steffens supposition isn't supported by his own evidence - and to be truthful, it wasn't even his own assumption! He was trying to find an artifact that was similar to the 1834 drawing example discussed by Stanley J. Olsen, in 1955. [https://www.militaryhorse.org/1833-dragoon-saddle/steffens-dragoo...

Rodent damage is real - sounds like a good solution for collection that doesn't have a 'viewing' requirement. Once you start mixing up certain requirements, like being able to view and handle with preservation and security, then the tradeoffs start. Here's an example of some rodent damage - I can't ...

Here's an example of some museum grade storage solutions that I thought were exceptional.



The conservation of a McClellan Saddle, and a custom mount

This one has puzzled me for quite a long time, and I'm always interested in how others have handled this problem. At one time, I had a number of fairly complete saddles, and just finding a place to keep them was difficult. Too many modern methods are primarily aimed at organizing tack rooms, for 'wo...

Generally speaking, this is a style of 'park saddle' that was popular from 1890s through the 1920s. The Whitman name was a highly recognized brand and used on variety of actual saddle types. The early hard-frame military seats aren't related to this particular saddle - it can be confusing. While it ...

Looks like usual WW1 contractor version - note the brass/bronze stirrup loops. These were made in 1917 and 1918 - most actually made in 1918. The initials 'D B' would most likely be the ordnance dept inspectors. These ordnance department inspectors (typically civilians) were located in the actual pr...