US Saddle Blanket - Stitching the "US"

[McKechnie]

I just got a Federal saddle blanket from Charlie Childs (his last one) but it doesn't have the "US" on it. I've located the relevant reference as to the placement of the "US" in the 1861 Ordnance Manual but I've never seen an original before and I'd like to have an idea what it should look like. Can anyone direct me to a suitable reference (I've tried the search function with no success)?

Also, does anyone have any practical advice as to stitching et al. Thanks in advance.

[Ken Knopp]

Re: US Saddle Blanket - Stitching the "US"

Adam,

Thank you for the post. The Federal Ordnance Manual perscribes the "official' saddle blanket with the "US" stitiching etc. but, like nearly all military manufacturing of the period this was apparently not always done. These blankets are rare birds indeed and few have survived but I have seen this official blanket both with and without the "US" stitching.

I enclose two photos of an original blanket Courtesy...... Ken McPheeters Militaria http://www.mcpheetersantiquemilitaria.com/index.htm San Antonio, Texas. A great web site for cavalry artifacts of the CW through WWII. He graciously allows me to "obscond" with photos and his excellent descriptions, from his web site which I post on mine every chance I get. For more information on its construction consult the ordnance manual.

Charlie Childs makes excellent items. I am sorry these are apparently no longer available. As for practical advice in construction, well, my wife says I have trouble "sewing up loose ends" so sadly I can be of little help. Hope this aids you. Best,

Ken R Knopp

https://www.confederatesadles.com

[McKechnie]

Re: US Saddle Blanket - Stitching the "US"

Ken-

Thanks for the pictures, they're a great help. Now to procure some orange yarn and get to work. :)

You comment about some of the issue blankets not having the "US" is interesting- I was wondering about that but didn't want to assume.