"Period" Civilian Bridles....

[Mark Choate]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Hi Ken,

Is this the bridle that you called me about after I left the show? Very impressive example.
As far as the horseshoe buckle on the bit, where does the term "imitation leather" come from? I have not heard that before. Also, do you remember if there was a "history" to this bit? I am a little shocked at the price. I saw a lot of bits that day and nothing even remotely in the $1400 range.

thanks for the photos and it was good to see you at the show.

Mark

[Ken Knopp]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Mark, Yes this is the bridle. High dollar bridle/coach buckles of the period were often made of iron but wrapped and sewn in leather. They were really "high class" and obviously very expensive. Cheaper "imitation leather" buckles were "cast" to give the same appearance even down to the stitches. Both are period buckles dating before the war. I have seen the imitation buckles excavated from war time sites but, I do not know how far they "go back".
As for the bit, I do not know of any history on this bit but would like to correct the price tag. As I recall it was actually $1,595. I did not want it that bad. Anymore, in my increasingly older (and lazy) age I prefer photographs rather than the ownership and care required of artifacts- especially the leather ones.

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[Outrider]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Wow. The "imitation leather" buckles are interesting. That bridle looks to be in very nice condition too at least from the pics. That always amazes me.
I too am curious as to why that particular bit would be so valuable. I mean ,in the current market I can buy a good horse for that...easy.



thanks Ken

[Ken Knopp]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Gents,


NORTH SOUTH TRADER'S CIVIL WAR has been kind enough to publish the aforementioned article entitled "Identifying Civilian Bridles of Antebellum America" in their current issue- available now. I must say that the editor did an excellent job with the editing (much needed), layout and photo reproductions (including some color photos). For a copy at $7, you can contact them by way of the following:

NSTCW
540 672 4845 (business hours only)
PO Box 631
Orange, Va. 22960

Be sure to ask for the article by name in the "current" issue.

These folks (and the Camp Chase- btw, look for the same article coming out in a future issue of that mag) are very agreeable about publishing works on cavalry and horse equipment. In fact, both routinely include articles that are of interest to "our" end of the hobby. If you get a chance thank these Publishers for this effort.

For me, I am personally very thankful to the AC, this cavalry forum and all of its fine members for the continual inspiration that you give me. Best,

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[Outrider]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Great Ken!! Thank You Sir ,for all your most excellent work that has done so much for the cavalry and all other mounted impressions in the hobby we all love so much!

three cheers for Ken Knopp!!

[Mark Choate]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Ken,

Just to let you know, I called North/South Trader to get a copy of the issue with your article. I found out that a full one-year subscription was only $37 PLUS right now they are throwing in a free copy of the 11th edition of the C W Collectors Price Guide! I called on tuesday and today (thursday) I received the first issue and the Price Guide. What service!

A great article on Civilian bridles and extremely well laid out with good photos and liner notes.

I recommend this to everyone.

Thanks for the good work.
Mark

[Mike Ventura]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Just noticed that the bridle in Ken's photos is very similar to the "civilian bridle" that I got from Hank Kluin about 10 years ago.

[Ken Knopp]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Here is what I believe to be a civilian bridle of the period. Forget the bit! The construction of the bridle is interesting as is the rosette. Actually the brow band has a metal plate sewn to it to hold it in shape and the hardware is correct.

The civilan style, corded web reins are another cool item. I have never seen anything like these before. They are easily detachable from the bit of choice by use of a leather billet strap. The way the attach to the bit took some figuring but think of it this way..... A leather billet strap goes through the bit ring then through a standing loop. It then buckles to the buckles of the web reins. The buckles are very period horse shoe and the web of corded cotton. These reins are 50 inches long by one and 1/4 inches wide. Not military length (60 inches) but close by use of the billet straps.
Anyway, some interesting things to ponder.

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com

[Mark Choate]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

Ken,

Some really cool photos and finds. I am intrigued by the corded web reins and have never seen anything like them. I am a bit surprised by the relatively short length and the width. At 1 1/4 inches wide, I wonder if these were an oft-produced item or just a custom job using webbing available?

thanks for showing this,

Mark

[Ken Knopp]

Re: "Period" Civilian Bridles....

OOOOOPPPS!!! ERROR!! The width on the reins is 7/8's NOT 1 1/4! My mistake! Sorry. When I read what you posted I realized my error. I am very sorry. Best,

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesaddles.com