McClellan saddle models

[bqbowden]

Okay, I have a saddle question I am sure a lot of folks have asked, but it still confuses me.

What is the difference in the different versions of McClellan saddles? I ask because I find these a lot when looking at used gear for sale, but I do not know the differences well enough to know what I am really looking at. Does someone have a side by side reference (with photos)?

[J.H.Berger]

Re: repro confederate saddlery

Okay, I have a saddle question I am sure a lot of folks have asked, but it still confuses me.

What is the difference in the different versions of McClellan saddles? I ask because I find these a lot when looking at used gear for sale, but I do not know the differences well enough to know what I am really looking at. Does someone have a side by side reference (with photos)?

Have a lok at www.militaryhorse.org. There is a section about the McCellan saddle with all its patterns.

[Mike N]

Re: McClellan saddle models

The short answer is that there really isn't a short answer. The McClellan went through a number of revisions some obvious and some more subtle throughout its long career.

The Model 1859, which I presume is what you're interested in, features an open, metal-reinforced wooden tree. Saddle skirts of harness leather are screwed to the sidebars. The rigging is similar to that found on the Hope saddle. Stirrups are hickory or oak. The prototype Model 1857 McClellan saddles had the wooden tree covered with a thin, varnished, black leather cover. The stirrups were hoodless and also covered with varnished leather. All hardware on the saddles was made of polished brass. The Model 1859 featured a more durable rawhide-covered tree. Stirrups were of bare wood and stirrup hoods were added. The 1861 Ordnance Manual called for the brass hardware to be replaced with “blued” iron, although in practice the iron hardware was usually “japanned,” covered in a durable black varnish. Three slots in the cantle (reinforced with brass fittings) allowed leather straps to secure a blanket roll. Similarly, the saddle’s pommel had a slot and two iron fittings where three more straps could secure a blanket roll or overcoat. Iron rings allowed for attachment of other accouterments.

Accessories for the McClellan saddle included small saddle bags, a nose bag for the horse’s grain, a curry comb, picket pin, and lariat. A thimble or “boot” on the “off” side of the saddle held the muzzle of the cavalryman’s carbine.

A lot of the used McClellans you'll find for sale are the models of 1904 and 1913 which differ significantly from the Model 1859 and are not suitable for authentic CW reenacting. A search of the forums here will yield several discussions about authentic reproductions of the Model 1859.

Regards,

Mike Nugent

[Sccavtrooper]

Re: McClellan saddle models

Yes the 1859 is vasly different to the 1904 model. As you might know the 1872 and later saddle where mostly reconditioned 1859 trees. BUT in 1904 they redesigned the tree to fit bigger horses and because the supply of old trees where running out. now before quality 1859 trees where available for reproduction we use to reshape the pommel of the 1904 tree to look like the 1859 but there is nothing you can do to the cantel. So to get the right kind of saddle do the research on what each tree show lok like and their charateristics