McClellan Civil War Officers Cavalry Saddle, Original Saddle Bags.

Description

The
McClellan saddle
was a riding
saddle
designed by
George B. McClellan
, after his tour of Europe as the member of a military commission charged with studying the latest developments in engineer and cavalry forces including field equipment.
[1]
Based on his observations, McClellan proposed a design that was adopted by the Army in 1859.
[1]
The McClellan saddle was a success and continued in use in various forms until the US Army's last horse
cavalry
and horse artillery was dismounted late in
World War II
. Today, the McClellan saddle is used by ceremonial mounted units in the US Army. The saddle was used by several other nations, including Rhodesia and Mexico, and to a degree by the British in the
Boer War
. The saddle came in various seat sizes that predominantly ranged from approximately 11 to 12 ½ inches.
[2]
This Officer"s Saddle is in very good condition considering it is an 1859 Civil War Model.  The straps are quite dried out. The girth is included, but for safety sake I would advise you not to use it while riding.  This saddle is over  150 years old.  It is the kind of things you usually see only in museums.  I am selling it for a doctor friend of mine who has a fantastic antique collection he has gathered over the years and now feels it is time to let others enjoy.
This saddle come with the original cavalry saddle bags which are made to fasten on to the back of the saddle on a special hook built in to the design of the saddle.  It has a 12 inch seat which is embossed on a brass (I think) marker on the front of the cantle.  I
I feel that the saddle would be strong and safe enough to use in reenactments, but do not want to guarantee that it is.  I suggest you have it checked by a saddle maker that you trust, just to be safe.  It would be a wonderful addition to your collection or a marvelous  conversation piece on display in your office, home  or business.  This is a rare piece of American history during the Civil War.  The saddle seat was made of genuine rawhide.  They soon changed the design to leather seats because the rawhide dried out and cracked after exposure to weather  and became cracked.  When the men began to complain (rather loudly) that their bottoms were getting pinched, it was time for a change in the saddles.  If you look at the photos of the saddle seat  you will see the cracks.
I ship with FedEx and will insure it for the selling price.  I have sold on eBay for well over 20 years and I have an "Above Average Performance Rating".  I work very  hard to have happy buyers.
I ship with FedEx and you will be sent a tracking number  when the saddle is shipped.  Blessings and thanks for stopping in to check out my auction.