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1886 PATTERN US ARMY CAVALRY GAUNTLETS – IN
EXCELLENT “LIKE NEW” CONDITION – UNISSUED – SCARCE
CAVALRY UNIFORM ITEM: One of, if not the most,
recognizable and classic piece of the Cavalry Trooper’s
uniform, this excellent pair of 1886 Pattern Gauntlets
were never issued or worn and 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
in the 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 particular pair was manufactured under the army’s
final order for gauntlets – the Contract of 1904.
Legibly ink stamped inside both cuffs is the maker’s
information, “THE DANIEL HAYES COMPANY, Gloversville,
N.Y., Contract Oct. 29th 1904”. The
interior of the left cuff is also ink stamped with the
accepting authority and the inspector’s name, “Q.M.D.
PHILA., T.W. RODRIGO.” 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 the hand
portion of the left gauntlet is ink stamped the numeral
“16”, which I believe was applied during the
manufacturing process and indicates the identity of the
piece worker who made them in order that he received
credit towards his pay check.
This pair shows no evidence of use or wear, and the goat
skin still retains the nap of the leather over all the
surfaces. There are no wear spots or soiling, and the
correct russet glove leather lining in each cuff shows
no staining or wear. All of the seams are intact as is
all of the decorative stitching.
As seen in any number of period photographs, these
gauntlets were obviously popular with the soldiers in
the cavalry. Not only were they practical in that they
protected the soldiers’ hands, but I’m quite sure the
troopers regarded this specialized issue of uniform as a
mark of distinction that set them apart from other
enlisted men. As a direct result of their popularity
and constant use, and the relative small branch of the
army to whom they were issued, these gauntlets did not
survive in large numbers and they are not often
available on the market. Certainly, not in this “like
new” condition.
This pair will be a notable addition to a cavalry
collection and would present well displayed with a
uniform grouping, a plumed dress helmet, or alongside
your inspected Colt Single Action pistol.
SOLD
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