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CIVIL WAR ARTILLERY REINS – SCARCE SET IN
EXCELLENT CONDITION: Another treasure from an
old cache of Bannerman Island artifacts, this set of
Civil War era Artillery Reins has survived in excellent,
unissued condition, showing no evidence of ever having
been used. The unique two-piece pattern of these reins
separates them from the more commonly encountered
Cavalry pattern reins. As described in the 1863
Ordnance Manual, this set consists of two sections, one
approximately 12” shorter than the other but otherwise
identical in construction. The reins are joined by a
billet and a japanned black buckle off set to one side
as opposed to joining in the center of the rein loop as
do cavalry reins, providing the driver with a smooth
leather surface to grasp. The two bit billets are
fitted with the same style buckle, a black japanned iron
buckle fitted with a brass roller. All three buckles
retain their full lacquer coating, the three billets are
full length, all three standing loops are present and
intact, and all of the stitching is strong and intact.
The leather surface is overall excellent with some minor
crazing confined to the billet joining the two reins.
Otherwise the leather surface is clear with a nice
smooth finish. This is a very nice set and will be a
nice addition to display with a brass faced artillery
bit, and would be a good set to complete an officer’s
bridle and bit grouping. $250
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