|
MODEL 1872 CAVALRY CURB BIT STRAP – RARE PIECE OF EARLY
INDIAN WARS HORSE EQUIPMENT:
As discussed and pictured on page 387 and 388 of
The American Military
Saddle 1776-1945,
the Model 1872 Cavalry Bit was made from existing stocks
of M1863 Cavalry Curb Bits to equip the early Indian War
Cavalry. As detailed in Ordnance Memoranda 13,
the modification of the bits focused on the adoption of
the leather Model 1872 Curb Strap, and was accomplished
with the addition of wire curb strap loops or by
enlarging the existing
curb chain hole into a slot wide enough to accept the
curb strap.
This very rare Model
1872 Curb Strap certainly shows use, having a definite
“set” as it was buckled into the bit. Readily
identified by the unique standing loop immediately
behind the iron buckle, this curb strap appears to have
been intentionally shortened, leaving the end of the
billet just under the far side of the buckle. Through
the years I have noted that the billets on curb straps,
reins, halters and headstalls show this same intentional
trimming and I surmise that with all of the straps of
leather concentrated around the horse’s head,
eliminating any unneeded or unnecessary lengths of
leather to “clean” up the area and reduce the chance of
tangles or snags was certainly in the soldier’s, and the
horse’s, best interests. Measuring .625 inches wide and
17” long the strap is in very good condition and
complete with the proper iron buckle and both of the
standing loops. The surface of the leather is flexed,
but there is no flaking and the leather is flexible and
live. These curb straps are almost non-existent in
private collections to the point that many senior
collectors have never seen one, and finding one on the
loose is indeed a rare opportunity to add to your early
Indian War Cavalry collection. $175
NOTE: The last picture below shows
the strap in place on a Model 1872 Cavalry Bit, however
the bit is not included in this offering.
|
