CSA Saddle?

[kswatson]

I have some saddles that i picked up years ago to rebuild the 3 are late 1800's . So i was looking for more information on one its a southern McClellan style. i was trying to find out if any one knows how the saddle tree was put together when the burlap was used instead of the rawhide covering. I did not know if extra bracing was added to help with support.
KelseyWatson

[rbruno]

Re: CSA Saddle?

If you could, maybe post a few pictures for what you are working on. I have never heard of "burlap" being used instead of rawhide. Ken Knopp's books and website have a lot of info on the characteristics of late war CS Macs. See if you can post a couple pictures and take a look at his website.

[kswatson]

Re: CSA Saddle?

I did try to put up some pictures but they would not take them. Do not know why. I have looked but not to may say more than that they substitute for rawhide. I did not know if any one had an idea if they may have added support to help flex. Kelsey

[rbruno]

Re: CSA Saddle?

Kelsey,
All the support for the saddle is built into the wooden tree. There are metal bars in stress places to support the tree. The rawhide and I guess the burlap would have just been done to cover the wood and protect the wood. I think that is what you are asking right? There is not structural parts of the covering. At least, not that I know of.

[kswatson]

Re: CSA Saddle?

Ya thats what it looks like its appears to be maybe an oak tree that has metal strap that mabe holds and supports the sides of the tree. I was trying to see if it was going to be safe to use but may just oil it up and let it be. Do not think whats left of the padded seat would hold up to much more use. If i figure out the pic i will add them.

[kswatson]

Re: CSA Saddle?



- - - Updated - - -

these are from the same farm

[kswatson]

Re: CSA Saddle?

here is a picture of part of the tree where the leather was cut off at some point.
the fenders are flat now there is some light carving that showed up.

[Tom Craig]

Re: CSA Saddle?

Hi Kelsey,

I am far from an expert on CS or post-war saddles, but the "Mac like" saddle says post war catalog saddle to me. It has the general shape of a Mac, except the pommel appears too low in the picture. That and the fact that the tree is covered in leather rather than simply being rawhided says civilian manufacture to me.

Take care,
Tom Craig
1st Maine Cavalry

[kswatson]

Re: CSA Saddle?

after getting it clean it leans more to a catalog or maybe after war maker in the area. It has about the same shape pommel as the McC but the cantle is far flatter then they are. Plus the way the stirrups are attached looks different.

[T.Kern]

Re: CSA Saddle?

the stirrups are not period and it is a catalog saddle. the side saddle could be period
todd kern