stirrups

[csabugler]

Anybody got a source for good repro or affordable period metal stirrups?

[Ken Knopp]

Re: stirrups

In my opinion, your best bet might be to find a good "wide" pair of original period stirrups. There are still lots of them out there that would work. However, make sure they fit properly. Leave lots of room on either side of your boot/shoe else you will find yourself tiwisting a knee, ankle or worse- being drug under your horse when you get hung up. Caution: Its sometimes difficult to find a matching pair and a good pair will set you back a bit of money but worth it.
As for reproductions, and depending upon your imporession, I might suggest you try a look at this link to repro British Hussar's stirrups.

http://www.authenticrepro.com (go to the saddlery section)

They make steel/nickel plated British Hussars stirrups like those imported by the South. To my mind, they are "OK". Not the best repro. I have several originals (some iron and nickel plated) of these British stirrups in my collection. All dug from CW sites. They came in different patterns and sizes (different makes no doubt). The repros above are not the best choice of pattern but they will do I suppose since no one else out there makes them.
These folks are in Austrailia and make later period Brit. UP saddles. I once contacted them about making an 1856 UP- "Imported" for a Confederate impression. They said they could with the proper pattern. It would take some serious work but maybe it could be done?

Ken R Knopp

[csabugler]

Re: stirrups

thanks Ken