US Model 1885 Saddle Bags Marked Long 1917 with Model 1911 Spurs and Mess Kit
Item #: AA3397
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This is a set of US Model 1885 saddle bags designed to be used with the McClellan saddle system made famous during the Civil War. The saddle bags are 44" wide and each bag measures 11" across and 12" tall. This set of saddle bags exhibits moderate wear from use and they are in good condition. The leather is still supple and pliable. There is very little crazing, flaking or loss of leather and all stitching is tight and unbroken. The yoke has no repairs and the single hole for the stud remains undamaged. The straps used to retain the yoke to the foot loops on the saddle are both present. All three closure straps for each bag are present, as well as all the buckles. The interior liner bags are still reporting for duty, usually they are missing. The embossed US within an oval are clearly visible on each bag. The yoke above the left bag is stamped LONG/1917/F.A.W. Usually the bottoms of the bags are torn or have holes in them, this is not the case for either bag. This set of 1885 McClellan saddle bags shows moderate wear, but still displays well on a saddle, or on their own. This set of US Model 1911 spurs came with the saddle bags. They were manufactured by August Buermann. Before World War I US military spurs were manufactured by government arsenals. With WWI on the horizon, the government contracted with private merchants for spurs, along with many other pieces of equipment. Buermann was a German immigrant, arriving in New York in August, 1864. He entered the Union Army as a substitute shortly after arriving in the states. After the war he bought out the Barclay Company located in Newark, New Jersey in 1866 and renamed it the Buermann Manufacturing Company. He manufactured spurs and horse bits for over 60 years, both commercially and for the military. This set of Model 1911 spurs is a good representative piece produced by Buermann. They used the fixed button design to attach leathers straps for wear, with one end being adjustable by a buckle. Officer's spurs were distinguished by the heel chains, enlisted versions did not have them. This set of Model 1911 is in good condition, having no twists or bends. Most of the silver plating remains over both spurs. The inside of the spur is stamped US over AB. The leather straps are still present and in very good condition. The lack of heel chains identify this set as being for enlisted personnel. The meat can and fork complete the set. The meat can is marked U.S./WS Co./1918 and has managed to survive quite well. The fork is not regulation, but looks to be from the earlier 1880's. This little grouping will go a long way in completing your WWI American Cavalry collection.
Shipping Weight:
5 lbs
Item # AA3397
Your Price $495.00 USD
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