CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

[Ken Knopp]

Hey fellas,

A great First Model Confederate Jenifer Artillery pattern saddle (likely made at the CS Ordnance HArness Shops in Clarksville Va.) is available for sale at the link below. A bit pricey but really not too much for a great and rare item like this.

http://www.oldsouthantiques.com/onlinecatalog.htm

It worth taking a look......but,....
Please note the description the seller makes is entirely BS!! Not only does he not know what he has but almost none of it is factually correct. He knows nothing about horse equipment! Sad thing is, this information is easily obtainable. Moreover, I have often reached out to him with offers of help....but hell, what do I know?
I must be getting old- cause I know I am sure getting cranky!



Ken R Koppp

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

Ken,

I looked at this one earlier today. And then thought, if Ken says it's good, I'll consider it. If Ken says nope, I'm out. So is it right and would it be appropriate for my purpose?

[Ken Knopp]

Re: CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

Matt,

The saddle is 100% legitmate as a Confederate First model (Patented) Jenifer constructed for artillery and almost certain to have been made at the Ord Harness Shop in Clarksville. However, as it is an artillery saddle and a Richmond Arsenal system product it may not suit your (Franklin) purposes.
I can only document 2,000 cavalry model saddles coming "west" from Richmond and none of artillery but likely a few were shipped at times. Furthermore, western arsenal (and contract) made Jenifers generally did not appear like this. Generally, western arsenals were very autonomous receiving little other than general direction in their saddle construction and materials employed. In other words, it was often left to the commanders of these facilities to do the best they could with what they had. The result was a wide variety of product appearances and materials and, in my opinion, nothing like this artifact.
The best evidence of this as a Richmond product is its saddle tree construction. Saddle trees were made in the east by a very few contractors (such as Theim & Frapes of NC who made about 25,000) and so they show alot more consistentcy (I have seen several like this). Also, the brass (variations of copper & zinc and sometimes all zinc) "CS" pommel shields that were rolled and stamped in Richmond and then shipped to Clarksville for attachment. These plates were not made in the west (no documentation anyway) and are rarely excavated from western sites- further evidence of such.
Although in remarkable condition, it needs some quality, professional restoration but it is also true it is a very complete, largely if not entirely, all original example of a very rare issue saddle. Therefore, the price is reasonable considering all of the above.
A great piece to say the least but, it may not be what you want. In addtion, you would still be lacking a "cavalry" piece.

Ken R Knopp

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

Ken,

You're a true genius. You rattled that off like pros throw a touchdown pass or shoot a three pointer. Amazing. You're like the Rainman of Confederate cavalry equipment. Thanks!

[IowaYank]

Re: CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

"You're like the Rainman of Confederate cavalry equipment." hahahaha,,,,that is one of the best quotes I have heard in a long time!!

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

Ken, I know next to nothing about Jenifer saddles... And I've mislaid your book... is it common for there to be a shield on the pommel and cantle as this one has? Thanks, Zack

[Mark Choate]

Re: CS Jenifer Saddle available.....

Hi Zack,

While I am no "Rainman of Confederate Cav equipment" I think I can help you with this question. The majority of Jenifers did have the shield plates on both the pommel and cantle. While virtually nothing was an absolute regarding tack of the era, I believe you will find most to have both. While I know that Ken "Rainman" Knopp is covered up at the moment counting match sticks that have been thrown out on a table top, you can go to his site ( http://confederatesaddles.com/cswp/ ) and there you will see a treasure trove of "Jennies" from east, west, early and mid war and most of them have dual plates. Overall, I would have to say that Jenifers are my favorite saddle and just "reek" of the Confederate spirit (although some Feds, like Custer preferred them, too).

thx,
Mark