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ca. 1840 – 1865 OFFICER’S DECORATIVE BRASS
STIRRUPS – EXCELLENT, ATTRACTIVE PAIR: This
matched pair of decorative brass stirrups have all the
earmarks of the type of stirrups incorporated into the
higher grade officers’ saddles of the Dragoon and Civil
War periods. Typical of the private purchase, special
order work available to the high ranking or wealthy
officer, each stirrup is cast with a single large
acanthus leaf on the lower swells of the side bars, with
a separate garland of acanthus leaves running up the
remainder of the side bars to the stirrup strap loop.
The large leaves were then embellished by chasing the
lines of the leaf with a hand applied engraving tool.
The graceful shape, well
executed castings showing the full detail of the leaves
in full relief, and the additional enhancement of the
engraving
all testify that this pair of
stirrups was made to adorn a very special saddle owned
by an Antebellum or Civil War period officer of
considerable means.
Measuring 5 ¼ ” tall, and 5” wide, with treads 2 ¼”
deep, these stirrups incorporate slotted treads with a
“dog bone” shaped cutout in the center of the tread
leaving substantial surfaces fore and aft of the slot.
These surfaces are roughened by rows of hand applied
gouges which raise a sharp point of metal and provide a
firm purchase for the sole of the rider’s boot. This
manner of roughening the tread dates at least to the
early standard issue Dragoon stirrups and was still in
use on the M1863 Artillery Stirrup, further arguing for
this set having been made for a mounted officer.
The stirrup strap loops on
these stirrups measures 2” wide, perhaps to accommodate
a standard stirrup strap that was covered with a glove
weight leather or cloth sleeve with decorative
stitching, an additional enhancement seen on some of the
higher priced saddles of the period. In spite of their
graceful presentation, these are heavy brass stirrups
designed to withstand the wear and abuse of extended
field service – definitely intended for military use and
not a plantation gentleman’s saddle. This pair shows
very little wear, is in excellent condition with no
damage, and have a very pleasing old, deep patina.
This very fine pair of original early officer’s stirrups
would be an appropriate addition to complete an Eagle
Head Saddle, an Officer’s Grimsley Dragoon Saddle or any
one of the decorative officer’s saddles dating from the
Civil War, or as an attractive set that would display
well on their own in your collection.
SOLD
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