Mc Pheeters Antique Militaria
Home Page About Us Ordering Information Links

 

     

MODEL 1904 OFFICER’S SERVICE SADDLE CLOTH – 2ND CAVALRY - ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL MARKED:  As described in the Ordnance Department Manual No. 1719, Horse Equipments and Equipments for Officers and Enlisted Men, dated 1905, this Model 1904 Officer’s Service Saddle Cloth has survived in very nice condition.  Manufactured by the Ordnance Department, the cloth is ink stamped on the underside of the pommel, “ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, 1919”. 

The olive drab duck material, still retaining the rigid, sized nature of the fabric when it was new, is not misshapen nor is the fabric weakened as seen on many heavily used saddle cloths.  Normally found with heavy stains from the saddle leather and weak or wear spots through the weave, this cloth shows only minor soiling and no wear to the fabric.  The russet leather spine is fully intact and all the seams are intact and strong.  The russet leather trim around the edge of the cloth shows some isolated areas of wear to the edges as are shown in the photos – those areas with the greatest wear being shown to give you a fair idea of the extent of these areas – however, the great majority of the trim is in very good condition.   

Of particular interest are the regimental numbers attached to both of the trailing lower corners and the unique yellow color of the underside of the cloth where it was not exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet light and subsequently faded.  Each trailing corner of the saddle cloth is decorated by a triangular field of russet leather mounted by a brass numeral “2” measuring 2” by 1 ¼”.  The officer apparently changed assignments, evidenced by the outline of previously attached insignia that is visible on the underside of the cloth, and in order to cover the marks left by the insignia he removed, he attached the 2ND Regiment numeral s to the leather triangles and had them sewn in place.  The standard color of these Model 1904 Service Saddle Cloths was olive drab (in many cases more khaki colored than olive), however the underside of this cloth is decidedly yellow – the color indicated for facings and decorations for the cavalry.  Given the latitude allowed – and absent permission, nonetheless tolerated – officers in their uniforming and equipment, it is not particularly surprising that an officer would special order a saddle cloth with colored cloth to match his branch of service, or simply have the cloth dyed at his own expense.  An example of one of these dyed saddlecloths is shown in Figure 17, on page 347 of The American Military Saddle 1776-1945.  No doubt proud of his assignment to one of the oldest mounted units in the US Army tracing its heritage back to the 2ND Dragoons, this officer must have cut quite a figure on the parade field. 

Having handled dozens of these saddle cloths held in museum collections in the course of the research for The American Military Saddle 1776-1945, it was quite apparent that these cloths were subjected to heavy use and wear.  Understandably, the thorough soaking due to horse sweat and the continued and concentrated deposits of body salts from the horse, these cloths were especially prone to deterioration and eventual disposal.  Hence, surviving examples of these cloths in any condition are not common today, making examples in this condition relatively scarce.  With the added value of not only being unit identified, but with the indication of being used by a cavalry officer, this Model 1904 Saddle Cloth will be a key piece that will set your saddle display apart as truly special.  $695 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ordering Instructions

Identified Items  

Firearms

Edged Weapons

Saddles and Horse Equipment

Accoutrements

Collectors Ammunition

Uniforms, Insignia, Hats

Canteens and Mess Gear

Gun tools, Bullet molds and Parts

Field Equipment and Artillery

Original Ordnance Manuals, and Photos 

US Army Medical

Reference Books and Reprints