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MODEL 1872 McCLELLAN SADDLE GIRTH – A RARE INDIAN
WAR GIRTH IN VERY NICE CONDITION: This is a
very rare specimen of an original early Indian War
period Model 1872 McClellan Saddle Girth. Introduced
with the other unique Model 1872 Horse Equipments in
Ordnance Memoranda No. 13, this girth was the first post
Civil War use of the linen webbing versus the wool
girths used during the War, and this pattern is believed
to have been in inventory and used by Custer’s troops at
the Little Big Horn. This girth measures 23” long and 5
5/8” wide. The leather billets on each end and the
reinforcement strap across the center are in excellent
condition, with only some very minor crazing to the
offside safe – the nearside safe and center straps
having smooth leather surfaces – and no loss of finish
to any of the leather. There are usually no arsenal
stamps found on these Model 1872 Girths and this
specimen is no exception. The woven linen webbing has
the correct alternating blue and yellow stripes and has
no holes, tears or other wear points. The girth is full
length and retains its full form.
Manufactured in relatively small numbers, these girths
were issued during a particularly active period of the
Indian Wars which subjected them to heavy use, and many
of the surviving Model 1872 girths remained in service
to be used with the early Model 1874 Saddles, explaining
why so few specimens survive in modern collections. An
excellent example of a very rare piece of Custer era
Cavalry horse equipment that will never have to be
upgraded, and is missing from most collections, this
girth will nicely complement your Indian War Cavalry
collection. $475
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