McClellan WWI Saddle

[Aragorn243]

I got some additions to my saddle today. Collector liquidation on eBay.

Stirrups and Cinch Strap. I know very little about horses or saddles but my wife says the cinch strap goes under the belly of the horse. This one is supposed to be made of horse hair. The one roundel says something but I can't read it. Very long manufacturers name and a date I believe. Date might be 19** but really can't tell.

The stirrups have what appears to be EIL stamped on each in the same location. Probably the manufacturer. Can't find a date on them but I believe these are for the 1914 model.

[browningautorifle]

Looks like nice shape, wait until you get the full size horse model to mount all this on...

[Aragorn243]

I will probably get a barrel of some sort. I looked at the stamping under different light and the date appears to be either 1913 (probable) or 1918, either way I'm good. Can't make out the manufacturer.

[browningautorifle]

Not something you often see and when you do ratty shape. I know a man that would bring a whole display including horse model to the Calgary Gun Show annually and he was very proud of being able to collect all the parts. Good luck assembling...

[Low & Slow]

Nice. The barrel plan sounds like a good one. Economical, and no need to try to explain to the wife what that new construction in the backyard is all about.

[Aragorn243]

I need the stirrup straps, various attachment straps for accessories, two round things that go between the cinch girth strap and the saddle and three small straps for those. And a blanket, never thought of the blanket until yesterday. It never seems to end. I have the saddle bags already but they are burried in a box upstairs. I do at least know exactly where they are. I also have a rifle scabbard but thinking it's WWII era. Might have to start looking for the older one.

[Jakeroub]

A couple of recent posts on this topic over at the M14 forums:

One of my favorites | M14 Forum

Museum of Idaho | M14 Forum

[Aragorn243]

I've found a place that makes the entire set as reproductions. Somewhat expensive, I've been getting my originals for less than the repros cost. But will keep them on speed dial just in case I'm forever stuck.

The problem with originals is it's not often they are listed in pairs. I got lucky with the stirrups, they are reasonable close in color, seem to match in age and manufacture and are pretty close in color to the saddle.

[Aragorn243]

I found this in my searches for $20 and figured I couldn't let it sit for that even though it's for an artillery saddle which I do not have yet. Anticipating that I will likely have one in the future with my eclectic collecting techniques.

It's an Artillery harness backstrap and I believe but am not yet sure that it hooks onto the D-ring that artillery saddles have and cavalry saddles do not.

Appears to be unissued but poor long-term storage. Needs cleaned badly.

[Aragorn243]

I picked up one of two needed ring strap safes today on ebay. Less than half what they want for a reproduction. I did order reproduction coat straps however. Doubt I'll ever find them as they are rarely on the full saddle sets. I found a second saddle at an antique shop yesterday but it was in poor shape. Leaning towards getting reproduction cinch and stirrup straps, this old leather really seems to crack and dry out with the straps.

I also looked up saddle stands and there are some really nice ones out there I could make with shelves or drawers:

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/15/91/bc/1...589d89850d.jpg

The drawers would be great to store the other cavalry items I have.