Original Issue Civil War Cavalry Saddle Bags for the M1859 McClellan Saddle

SOLD

Original Issue Civil War Cavalry Saddle Bags for the M1859 McClellan Saddle – This set of Civil War saddlebags are in overall very good condition. These bags were used by Union cavalry troops to carry horseshoes, nails, curry comb, extra ammunition, and personal effects. These saddlebags, the pattern developed expressly for the Model 1859 McClellan enlisted man’s saddle, have become rather difficult to find now. The connecting strap or yoke remains solid and evidences the single, central hole for the saddle bag stud, at the rear of the saddle, a highly desirable aspect, as this yoke is often torn or broken in half from careless handling. At some point in the life of the bags, someone made a clean, sharp cut in the yoke; the cut, about 2”-3” in length, is neither unsightly, highly noticeable or detracting from the strength and integrity of the bags. The black finish on the bags is in overall decent shape, with some minor age crackling and crazing. Both bags, as is the yoke, remain fairly flexible, with solid seams and no tears. The fastening straps are present, although one strap is missing just below the first adjustment hole. Both horizontal fastening straps, above each bag, designed to course through staples on the saddle protruding through slots in the yoke, remain. Both lower tie down straps, designed to pass through loops on the saddle skirts, are present; one of the pair of straps is complete, the other is missing the remains of the strap, just below the japanned buckle. This is a great set of hard to obtain M1859 saddlebags in solid condition. Anyone with a M1859 McClellan Saddle absolutely needs a set like these to accompany their saddle.