Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

[tsgalloway]

I'm toying with making a purchase of this saddle. Here is the sellers description: "Selling my 1864 model McClellan Saddle. The details match with McPheeter's and Dorsey's "American Military Saddle" for the contractor made 1864 version of the 1859 McClellan saddle. This saddle has it's contractor plate intact and was made by Demarest in Newark NJ. There is splitting of the original rawhide covering (allows you to see the white lead paint on the tree that is characteristic of the '64 saddle) and the skirts exhibit some loss of finish as well as a missing corner. The Quarterstraps have been altered into an "04 style at some time. The stirrups and straps are not original to the saddle but appear to be contemporary to the saddle and go together well for display. The original saddle shield is present and indicates 11" seat."

Thoughts? Thanks!

[Jeff Nichols]

Re: Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

I'd say it all depends on what you want out of it/to do with it. The mods obviously affect its value as as a relic (as opposed to it being unaltered), so price would likely be part of the consideration as well, I would think. The things that have been altered can be rectified with relative ease and little expense, if that offers any consolation. Of course, she could be displayed as-is, although not completely authentic in her current condition.

The "64 sported no hoods or sweat leathers, either. It would seem that, with correct quarterstraps, along with new stirrup leathers and proper stirrups, she'd be all set...returned to her original state for display...if that is your ultimate goal

If you're looking to be able to ride it...might be a little more hinky. Skirts seem to be in good shape, but may not remain so with the rigors of stress from use. Same goes for the rawhide. It appears to be in very good shape, with the exception of the cantle.

Assuming the tree is sound, it might well be a good prospect for re-rawhiding and re-rigging (akin to a body-off restoration of a vehicle you would intend to drive).

Hope this rambling helps ...good luck!

[Mark Choate]

Re: Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

Until actual dating of this saddle is determined, I am moving this thread to the Cavalry discussion forum.

Also, Tristan, I have sent you a PM.

thanks,
Mark

[tsgalloway]

Re: Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

Mark,
Thanks!

Tristan

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

Hummmm.... I'm weighing in late on this but based of the three images provided, something doesn't feel right about it... I agree with Jeff. Looks like the fenders,stirrups and quarterstraps have been replaced at some point. If it's really cheap/inexpensive go for it if you are looking for tree up restoration or just the cool factor of owning an original. TEH

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

Tristan,
could you please post pics of the cantle from front and rear. The quarter straps are from an M1904 saddle, the stirrup leathers incl. stirrups and fenders do not belong to the saddle originally either as you have already stated. But the tree incl. skirts looks original Demarest. I have one in relic condition too.
So you are looking at an orginal saddle tree with skirts, no rigging. Now what do you want to do with it? For display or as artifact it depends on the price the seller is demanding. If you want to restore it well then there is a lot of work ahead, especially rawhiding if the tree is still sound.

[tsgalloway]

Re: Original McClellan Saddle. Thoughts?

It would have been for display. I've decided to pass on this, in part because of your excellent feedback.