1890 US Army Indian Scouts Uniforn Question

[tmattimore]

There are two primary differences between the 85 and 87. The height decreases to 19" in the front and 14" in the back. The most important one is the seam that joins the back is turned inwards on the 85 which caused numerous chafing problems and made life dificult for the shoe makers as the back seam needed to be closed first. The basic shape of the boot is unchanged. The boot pulls are leather and centered in the shaft. The tounge of the vamp is not straight but markedly oval in shape. The heel counter cover extends towards the vamp past the center of the vamp. Both photos are wrong but the first one is closer. The second pic isint even in the ball park. Also all the originals I have seen are heavily pebble grained.

[Cobra]

Thank you for that imformation Tmatimore!  i shall delete that pic , it may  cause confusion in the ranks.  cob

[FTrooper]

Thanks Tom,

Actually, again we (as I keep doing it) the original pattern is 1884, not 100% sure where the 1885 comes from.

Tom is a good source on detail information. One reason I prefer to buy from him and Robert (and why I recommend them) is that they both not only do exceptional work, but have done their research!  Handling many originals.

Often when you find cavalry boots with a too good to be true price they are made overseas.  While I have seen some GREAT stuff come from overseas it tends to be the exception.  This is not always the fault of the maker, but more the fault of the original customer.  Often they send a poor quality repro, or more commonly, a picture to the guys in Asia and Mexico.  So what they get back is what you would expect from just sending a picture.  They give little or no guidance (as they too have never handled an original) and there is no quality control.  If the original "seller" is not happy with the shortcuts the maker starts to take, the maker easily finds another "sutler" in the states who will peddle his substandard wares.

Again, Tom and Robert make good stuff, here in the USA, one at a time to YOUR feet.  They have handled originals, they have alot of original period bootmaking tools, equipments, lasts, etc. And both believe in customer service.

The only disclaimer I will put is that I do not really favor one over the other.  My rule of thumb is more out of personal obligations.  I tend to buy my 19th Century boots from Robert and my 20th Century boots from Tom to spread my money to both (Robert does not like to do 20th Century at all).  I also tend to stick to their catalogs (though I know both have taken on projects otherwise). SO I'd buy my M1872 boots from Robert and M1887 from Tom.  The only other thing I will throw in here is that as much as Robert is also a personal friend, Tom has taken the time on the board to add his wisdom, I think that should count for something with the GAF.

Chris Fischer
F-Troop

[Cobra]

Did he become a member! just to put us right then 

[FTrooper]

Naw, I've seen him post a couple time before.

Chris Fischer
F-Troop

[Cobra]

This is tough going!    think  im going to do a 11th hussars impression!   instead, and charge the guns

[G.W. Strong]

inspiration.

[Cobra]

thanks hopalong great pic

[Cobra]

 I  could  just  squeeze into that  

[St. George]

They'd be 'far' more impressive with big moustaches...

Right now, they look too 'modern' - despite the uniforming - and short.

Hussars and Dragoons were fearesome sights on their respective battlefields.

Scouts Out!

[Cobra]

Is this gentleman  more the part

[G.W. Strong]

Very impressive!

[Cobra]

And whats even more impressive, is that, he rode into the valley of death! and survived  

[pony express]

Looks like those modern Hussars got their plumes clipped....

[Cobra]

 Shot and shell knocked them off

[FTrooper]

Pricey, but he does offer them.

http://www.cooncreekoldwest.com/coon_html/Hats.html

Chris Fischer
F-Troop