McClellan U.S. Cavalry Saddle

1904 McClellan U.S. Calvary Saddle. The saddle features a wonderfully and professionally crafted wood and leather construction with the iconic McClellan traditional design to the saddle. It has a dark brown to black coloration to the leather and shows brass adornments with rings located on the back of the high back seat. There is also a brass plaque on the inside front of the swells of the saddle that reads: "12 INCH SEAT". The McClellan saddle was a riding saddle designed by George B. McClellan, after his tour of Europe as the member of a military commission charged with studying the latest developments in engineer and cavalry forces including field equipment. Based on his observations, McClellan proposed a design that was adopted by the Army in 1859. The design was based on the Spanish tree saddles which were in wide use in the United States at the time, and had also seen US Army use. The McClellan saddle was a success and continued in use in various forms until the US Army's last horse cavalry and horse artillery was dismounted late in World War II. Today, the McClellan saddle is used by ceremonial mounted units in the US Army. The saddle was used by several other nations, including Rhodesia (modern day Zambia and Zimbabwe) and Mexico, and to a degree by the British in the Boer War (1899-1902). The saddle did see some modification over time. Perhaps the most significant alterations occurred in the 20th Century, when the rigging was changed twice. The first time, an adjustable rigging was adopted, which lead to the M1904 McClellan. The condition of this saddle is good overall with some heavy patina to the brass accoutrements and to the black leather of the saddle with the fleece mostly worn off. Includes riggings and original stirrups.