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1886 PATTERN US ARMY CAVALRY GAUNTLETS – IN
EXCELLENT CONDITION – APPEAR TO BE UNISSUED – SCARCE
INDIAN WARS CAVALRY UNIFORM ITEM: One of, if
not the most, recognizable and classic piece of the
Indian War Cavalry Trooper’s uniform, this excellent
pair of 1886 Pattern Gauntlets were never issued or worn
and with the exception of some minor storage soiling,
are in like new condition. As a standard item of issue,
these goat skin gauntlets were first introduced to the
Indian War Army with the 1884 Pattern Gauntlets. Within
a very short period of time it was discovered that the
silk thread with which they were assembled reacted
poorly with the tanning chemicals in the leather,
causing the seams to fail rendering the gauntlets
useless. The specifications were changed and the 1886
Pattern Gauntlets were ordered assembled with cotton
thread with the addition of welts seams of the thumb and
fingers. These welts, as are incorporated in this set,
provide for a ready identification between the 1884 and
1886 patterns. While the thread for assembling the
gauntlets was changed from silk to cotton, the silk
thread was retained for the decorative stitching on the
cuffs and the three seams on the back of the hand of the
gauntlet.
This pair shows no evidence of use or wear. The goat
skin still retains the nap of the leather over all the
surfaces, there are no wear spots, and the correct
russet glove leather lining in each cuff shows no
staining or wear. There are a few spots of soiling, the
result of storage and handling through the years, but
nothing that detracts from this wonderful set. Inside
the right gauntlet the original Quartermaster size tag,
similar to those circular tags seen more often on the
Model 1881 and 1889 Summer Helmets, still remains on the
lining. Attached with a spot of spirit gum, these size
tags did not survive even the most casual wear. Inside
each hand portion of both gauntlets, is ink stamped “7
G”. This could have been a unit applied number
identifying the gauntlets to “soldier number 7, Company
G”, but from where it is stamped, I believe the marks
were applied during the manufacturing process and
indicate the size or identify the piece worker who made
them in order they receive credit towards their pay
check. All of the seams are intact as is all of the
decorative stitching.
As seen in any number of excellent period photographs,
these gauntlets were popular with the soldiers in the
cavalry and I’m sure they regarded this specialized
issue of uniform as a mark of distinction that set them
apart from the rest. As a result of their popularity,
and the relative small branch of the army to whom they
were issued, these gauntlets are not often found, and
certainly not in this condition. This pair will be a
nice addition to an Indian Wars collection and would
present well displayed with a uniform grouping, a plumed
dress helmet, or alongside your inspected Colt Single
Action pistol. $850
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