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MODEL
1859 CIVIL WAR
McCLELLAN SADDLE BAGS:
A necessary piece of horse equipment to complete your
saddle, this set of M1859 Saddlebags is in remarkably
fine condition. Both of the bags are notably in
excellent condition with full pliable outer flaps
complete with the closing billets and buckles, the
interior pouches are complete and intact, and the
gussets, commonly found split or torn, are fully intact,
smooth and very pliable. The interior pocket laces
while shortened with age are present, which is notable
as these laces are normally missing entirely. The seat,
or yoke connecting the two bags that passes across the
back of the saddle, is complete with both leather keys
used to secure the saddlebags to the foot loops on the
rear sidebar extensions of the saddle and there is a
faint, but legible Ordnance Department Sub Inspector’s
cartouche on the seat. The seat had separated at the
saddlebag stud hole, a classic weak point as age, use
and poor storage takes its toll. This weak point has
been professionally restored with a very nicely executed
reinforcement on the inside surface of the seat. The
reinforcement is not visible on the exterior of the seat
and is well placed on the interior surface so as not to
detract from the overall appearance of this set. The
lower tie down straps and the lower buckle on the right
hand bag are absent, consistent with many of these early
surviving bags and quite possibly removed by the
soldiers contemporary to the use of the bags, as
unnecessary when the bags were mounted on the saddle and
all of the equipment that made up the cantle roll were
in place secured by the coat straps. M1859 Saddlebags
in respectable condition are becoming a very difficult
Civil War saddle accessory to find on the market today.
Overall, this is a very nice, attractive set of
saddlebags that has survived in remarkable condition and
will definitely enhance the appearance and value of your
Civil War or early Indian War McClellan Saddle.
(040305) $1350
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