|
MODEL 1859 CIVIL
WAR CAVALRY CARBINE SOCKET – “US” MARKED - SCARCE
SPECIMEN:
The majority of these sockets that exist today are
stamped with the maker’s mark of the civilian
manufacturers who seem to have made the majority of the
sockets produced, particularly those made after 1863
when the makers were required to identify the pieces
they manufactured. Rather than a maker’s mark this
socket is legibly stamped with a bold “US” on the tip of
the strap. This may indicate that it was produced
before, or in the early days of the War at a government
arsenal, or that it was so marked after the War when it
is known that Model 1868 McClellan Saddle components
such as stirrups and sweat leathers, holsters and other
accoutrements were stamped with this style “US” for a
brief period. Whatever the case may be, this is the
only Civil War Carbine Socket I have found so marked and
since finding this one, I have a made a concerted effort
to locate others without success.
Issued with each cavalry
saddle, the Carbine Socket buckled to the “offside” or
right “D” ring of the saddle’s quarterstraps. The
carbine was carried by the trooper suspended from the
sling worn across his body attached to the carbine by
the iron snap swivel. When the trooper was mounted, the
barrel of his carbine was fed into the socket attached
to his saddle and so arranged, kept the muzzle of his
carbine under control, and prevented it from slapping
against the side of the horse. This pattern of Carbine
socket continued in service after the Civil War and into
the Indian Wars through the early 1880’s until replaced
by the Carbine Boots.
The buckle still retains
the full black japanned lacquer coating with a shiny
finish. This socket is in very good condition, with the
body retaining its full form and the strap is supple,
full length and unbroken. All of the leather surfaces
are bright and smooth with no crazing or other signs or
aging or loss of surface finish.
By virtue of the scarce “US”
marking, this is a very unique and significant example
of a solid, attractive Civil War Carbine Socket. (C
127) $175
|
