CS Artifact "dump"....

[Ken Knopp]

Periodically, I drop some artifact photos on this site for study and discussion. I have gathered some interesting things the last few months and I am way behind in posting them so here is a sample of a nice CS canvas saber belt made available to me by my old friend David Born. I understand it comes from a private collection. In excellent condition. Kinda speaks for itself.

Nice huh?


Ken R Knopp

[Ken Knopp]

Re: CS Artifact "dump"....

Here is another. I don't think I ever posted this one before.......

Anyway, it is a Confederate Jenifer but quite unusual. It is very well made probably an officer's saddle. It has a "CS"" shield and other manufacturing and material components including age, etc. that make me confident it is original but I note the uncommon mortise plates. They are not or, at least do not resemble the Grimsely plates. I have seen these type plates dug from CW sites (I have a couple of them) but have never to my recollectoin seen them mounted on a legitmate CS saddle. The heart shaped rigging (another strange thing) might suggest Indian Wars (at least a post war "add-on") but the saddle itself is not although the riggin might well be (given the rivetes, etc.). Some of the foot loops may be add-ons also. The stirrup strap hangers are certainly CW vintage style. Though my crappy photography does not do it justice it is also made of russet leather. The stirrups (hoods) appear to be original in pattern and leather age but I am not sure about the S. straps. The valise is not original to the saddle but an "add-on". In fact, I owned that valise years ago.

A very nice piece but NOT representative of a "typical" troopers saddle! More of an unusual officer's saddle.

Enjoy!


Ken R Knopp

[David Jarnagin]

Re: CS Artifact "dump"....

Ken,

I wonder if the canvas sword belt could have been one of those contracted on March 11, 1864. Lt Colonel Brown of Richmond Arsenal contracted for 20,000 musket slings, 10,000 sword belt and 20,000 canteen slings. All of this was to be made of canvas.

David Jarnagin
djarnagin@bellsouth.net