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MODEL 1904 SECOND PATTERN McCLELLAN SADDLE – VERY ATTRACTIVE EXAMPLE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION:  This Model 1904 2ND Pattern McClellan Saddle is a very attractive specimen, having retained a desirable light caramel color and survived with the components intact as it was issued. 

The overall condition of this saddle is excellent, with the clear, bright russet leather featuring a smooth shiny surface and a light caramel color, with no sign of heavy use or oil soaking.  While bearing an inspector’s initials and therefore was accepted into the army supply system, it is very likely this saddle was never issued at the unit level.  There is no evidence this saddle has ever been on a horse or has been ridden, and other than some minor scuffs to the leather surface due to storage and handling, this saddle has not been abused nor subjected to hard use.  There is no crazing to the leather, all of the seams are secure and intact, and the surface of the seat is particularly nice with little, if any, evidence of wear or age.   

The rear face of the cantle is legibly stamped with the saddle maker’s name, “M.W.H. & CO.”, one of the civilian saddle maker firms which manufactured these saddles under contract with the U.S. Army.  Beneath the maker’s initials is the date “1917” and the inspector’s initials, indicating this saddle was part of the war time production in response to the United States becoming involved in World War One.    

A truly notable feature which sets this saddle apart from the majority available on the market today, four of the original coat straps are present – their originality confirmed by the presence of all six straps retaining the riveted “donut” stops which kept the straps from being removed from the slots and foot loops.  The four straps are still wrapped in the original “pig tail” configuration as the saddles were shipped from the maker, all are full length with no breaks, and of course, all retain the original buckles.  The color of all six straps matches the color of the saddle.  Original coat straps are now almost nonexistent, whether found on a saddle or on the loose, and they are almost never encountered still on a saddle as a complete set.  The straps were relatively fragile, given to wear out and break, or were separated from the saddles when they passed into the surplus market.  Finding a single original coat strap present on a saddle is very notable – finding four as in this case, is truly rare.    

The quarter straps are complete, full length and have not been trimmed, and both safes and both girthing straps are present – an added plus as these girthing straps are normally missing and are impossible to find on the loose.  All of the fittings – foot loops, saddle bag stud, equipment rings, and coat strap mortise plates – are present and in likewise excellent condition.  The lamb’s wool lining on the underneath surface of the sidebars and on the back of the girth safes has been lost to poor storage or insects, a commonly encountered condition on these saddles.  The wool was just too much of a temptation for the vermin that infested warehouses and barns, and it seldom survives intact.  The absence of the wool in no way affects the display quality of the saddle.   

This saddle is fitted with the Model 1912 Stirrups.  While the classic wood frame, leather hooded stirrups would remain in service in one form or another through the end of the army’s employment of horses, these Model 1912 Stirrups, as well as other metal stirrups, saw extensive use as well.  In addition to the familiar cavalry and mounted artillery troops, there were many different specialized units which the army also sent into the field mounted on horses – machine gun companies, Signal Corps detachments, Corps of Engineers, etc., as well as individuals assigned to various tasks requiring that they be mounted such as couriers and messengers.  The choice of stirrups was a decision left to the discretion of the unit commander, and his decision reflected the environmental conditions, the mission, and the availability of the equipment.  In the case of these stirrups, they are in like new condition, showing no wear or abuse, and still retain much of the original finish.  The bottoms of both stirrups are stamped with “U.S.” and the makers name.  The stirrups are attached with original Model 1904 Stirrup Straps that are full length with no breaks or tears, and the color of the straps is commensurate with the balance of this saddle.   

This is a very attractive, complete specimen of the Model 1904 McClellan Saddle which has survived the years in remarkably excellent condition.  Once fairly common, specimens such as this that have not been oil soaked and retain the lighter caramel russet color, that are still complete with all of the original fittings and straps, and have not been reconfigured by the army or modified through civilian use, are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and they seldom appear on the market. This early 20TH Century US Army saddle would be a fine addition to your collection and one which would be difficult to upgrade.  SOLD

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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