Yard Sales, Flea Markets and Antique Shops 2024

[Aragorn243]

Starting off the year with something I've been after for quite a while. A McClellan Saddle. Found just the seat in an antique shop today for well under $100 and it's in pretty decent shape. I need to research it a bit to figure out exactly what I have but initial belief is that it is a WWI 1914 cavalry saddle. I can't find the date as of yet and it may not have one but I found a makers mark and probably an inspectors mark along with a makers symbol on the underside.

My wife isn't impressed but I've wanted one for my Cavalry display.

The cavalry saddles are rarer than the artillery models but this does not have the D rings. Fittings are all brass which dates it to WWI as far as I can tell. I have to try to figure out if it has the 1928 modifications or not. Not quite clear what they are yet but I don't think it does.

In a second nearby shop I found a 1918 garrison web belt with a sword hanger on it. Did not have one of these either. I'll see about getting some photos up tomorrow as we got back in late tonight.

These shops I don't get too often as they are two hours away, but I've had a lot of good luck with military stuff there over the years.