RickH, Thanks for your interest. I was not trying to pass the saddle or the saddle bags off as Lt/Col. Custer's personal equip... Just a display that the Cav. used for many years.
Over the years i have talked to many wannabe antique saddle experts, some have written book's on them, and i have found that when i get a chance to talk to them and go over some pic's of antique saddles that i am just as much if not more of a saddle expert then most. Did you notice the screw holes that held the skirts on that the 1904 never had? Tommorow i'll post some better pic's, and let you guess agin, And your off on the bag's also.
Could you please give me your expert opin. on how you date'd the saddle and bags to model 1904?
And thank you for the kind word's..