Model 1904 McClellan Cavalry saddle made of russet brown leather. This one came by way of a recent Cowan's auction. The McClellan saddle was designed by General George McClellan and adopted for use by the US military in 1859. The saddle underwent many variations and upgrades and remained in the Army inventory well into the mid 1900's. It is still in use for ceremonial purposes, most notably with the Old Guard at Arlington Cemetery. The Model 1896 McClellan saddle saw significant change, and became what is now known as the Model 1904. The biggest change was the move from black to russet leather. The saddletree and it's construction remained the same as previous versions. These were to become the first version of the 1904 saddle. The rigging safes were doubled. All metal hardware was finished in brown jappan for enlisted men and bronze for officers. The stirrup straps were constructed with reversed buckles and reinforced sections where the stirrup transom rested. The reversed buckle allowed the straps to be twisted, causing the openings of the stirrups to face the rear. This reduced the stress on the troopers legs. This also benefited the rider in the event his foot slipped out of the stirrup. many of the first version 1904's were converted to the second version specifications when the Godfrey style rigging was replaced with adjustable quater strap assemblies and the stirrup hangers were moved forward. In 1907 the design changes that characterize the 1904 were put into place. The 1904 represents the last of the McClennans to use the "centerfire" rigging. The rigging was altered to provide more adjustabilty and increase the harness between the rider's leg and the horse. The quarter straps terminated near the edges of the saddletree and had halter squares sewn into the ends. The cantle square hung just below the edge of the saddle tree while the pommel square was just above the edge. A long strap with a roller buckle and several loops was run through the squares and the rigging ring to duplicate the system used on the model 1896. Adjusting the strap raised or lowered the rigging ring. The rigging ring safe was cut in a circle slighty larger than the ring. The safe was held to the ring by riveted loops. Other changes included moving the stirrup loop forward on the tree 1 1/4" closer to the pommel. The under side of the saddle was covered with 1/2" thick sheepskin as per the regulation covering this model of the saddle. However, many examples indicate that plenty of the saddles did not have the sheepskin applied. The rigging safes did have the sheepskin ling applied almost without exception. This saddle is in tremendous condition, all leather being supple and pliable enough to ride today.This one comes with the Model 1904 horse hair cinch. It has a makers stamp of S.D. Myers, Sweetwater Tex. and dated 1918. There is no makers stamp on the saddle itself. The rear of the pommel of the saddle has HQI stamped into it in two places. The initials J.C.H are also stamped into the back of the pommel on the right side. All strap mortise plates, saddle shield, saddle rings, foot staples and saddle bag stud are present. The Model 1912 steel stirrups have the US stamp on the bottom, but no maker mark. Overall, this is an outstanding example of a World War I era Cavalry saddle. If you collect "Great War" cavalry, this one is for you!

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