Model 1859 McClellan Saddle with Saddlebags, Girth, Carbine Socket, Picket Pin and Cincha

Model 1859 McClellan Saddle with Saddlebags, Girth, Carbine Socket, Picket Pin and Cincha – Captain George B. McClellan toured Europe with a military commission looking at new military tactics. Reportedly influenced by the saddles of Hussars he observed in Europe, McClellan returned and developed a new modified cavalry saddle. In 1859, the U.S. War Department adopted the McClellan saddle. They remained the standard issue throughout the history of the horse cavalry. The saddle was simple and less expensive than most. It was light enough not to weigh down the horse, yet it was sturdy and gave good support to the rider and his gear. In its original form the seat was covered with rawhide but was changed to leather in later incarnations. It featured a thick leather skirt and a leather covering for wooden stirrups. In addition, there was a girth strap made of woolen yarn. The McClellan saddle was placed on top of a saddlecloth, shabrack, or saddle blanket.

This example of a Civil War period, Model 1859 McClellan saddle remains in excellent condition. The un-spaded D-ring on the quarter straps are indicative of this saddle being an early war issue. The saddle retains virtually all of its original ancillary equipment to include the following: fine set of M1858 saddlebags (rarer form as these bags have brass faced, iron closure buckles used by mounted artillery enlisted soldiers) – excellent condition with both tie down straps; fine condition carbine socket; original picket pin roped with modern rope in the correct, original fashion; excellent condition blue wool girth; good condition leather surcingle. The saddle proper retains its original, size shield – “12 INCH / SEAT”; all footed staples; all of the brass, slotted strap ovals; the original saddlebag post; great condition, complete rawhide seat, with a small separation on the underside of the back cantle; original stirrup straps affixed to hooded, oak tread stirrups; both fine condition skirts attached to the tree via original brass screws. This is a superior example of an early war, M1859 McClellan saddle, accompanied by most of its original supplemental accoutrements, all in fine condition. Included in the purchase of this saddle is a saddle display support and a reproduction U.S. Dragoon saddle blanket.