Saddlebags

[Oregon Bill]

I see on the NCOWS site that saddlebags are a recommended way to carry ammo and goodies at a match. Anyone have sources for saddlebag patterns that would be correct for an early 1870s impression? Thanks!

[Major 2]

I made a pattern for a set of cantenas ,  see center of page 60 & top pg. 70 "Packing Iron"...

My version can mount as pommal bags or saddles bags & has 1 holsters per side.

If you like I'll send a photo....

[Oregon Bill]

Major: I waqs looking at Packing Iron for inspiration. Somewhere I have seen actual dimensioned patterns for U.S. issue bags, and hope to make my own set.

[Major 2]

I've made maybe 5 sets of US Cavalry M1859 and have a pattern somewhere I'll hunt it up ... unless your wanting the M1876 pattern

[Oregon Bill]

Major: That's mighty neighborly of you. As I am aiming for an 1872-74 impression, the 1859 pattern would be correct. Think there is a book out on military saddles and accoutrements with patterns. Seems like I have seen it.

[Major 2]

I have all 4 Vol. of Steffens and his abridged book as well, where there are some drawings for Federal Issue Horse Furniture.
Another pair of good books... Bruce Ceba'a "Historic Southern Saddles" & Ken Knapps "Confederate Saddles & Horse Equipment"

There is one, kinda of a reenactor's guide to making "59" McClellan parts by a reenactor/maker....
I might still have it too....

I built so many "59'"  Saddles I lost count.... 

Both Doug Kidd of BorderStates Leather Works & and David Carrico are good friends and make fine M1859 Saddlebags.

[Oregon Bill]

Major: I have always thought McClellans were fascinating, but I've never sat one, being a farily poor horseman anyway. But where did you get the trees? Make them yourself?

[Major 2]

Early on I rebuilt M1904's stripping the trees to bare wood and having them re raw-hided. As no one was reproducing Mac's.

But the M59's were a bit different in shape than 04's and for CW renacting I wanted them correct,  so I sent an original "59" to Hercules Saddle Tree Co. In Utah, to copy ,The first few came from them.

For a while I got them from "Joe" Barefoot Tree Co. in Peachtree Ga.  He made them form my Original also. But he became harder to work with because there was not a huge profit, in CW Saddle trees.

Then Hercules Tree was bought out by Superior Saddle Tree Co. .
They were doing my Grimsley trees anyway, so I used them from then on.

[Oregon Bill]

Don't have my resources handy, but isn't the Grimsley similar to the Ringgold and dervied from French cavalry saddles? Are they comfortable to ride?

[Major 2]

well Similar
Both have a duck tail ( this was to raise the valise off the horse ) Pryor to issue Saddle bags.
Both have a quilted leather seat & both have brass moldings....

Beyond that , they are constructed different The Ringgold has a wooden tree w/iron plates it reinforce it.
Thornton Grimsley's tree was Rawhide covered for strength then fair leather & and the quilted seat and Brass molding trimmed the pommel & cantle.
Also the duck tail had a curved profile where the Ringgold was in flat plane with the cantle.

The Ringgold was heaver ( Iron plates ) and uncomfortable the seat was hammock slung.
The Grimsley was stuffed with Horse Hair under the quilted seat.

Both used the issue valise (not saddle bags)

[Travis Morgan]

Major: I have always thought McClellans were fascinating, but I've never sat one, being a farily poor horseman anyway. But where did you get the trees? Make them yourself?

Anyone that admires them ain't sat in one very long! I rode one for about 5 or 10 minutes, once, then put it back in the buggy shed. IT's STILL there, for all I know.

[Major 2]

And there is the rub    I ridden with them for over 30 years....

Most people just plop down on a saddle like it some kinda chair.... horsemen don't ride in the saddle that way most of your balance and weight are in the stirrups...as your gate increases you post in a Mac...
The Mac is designed more for the Horse than your arse... I have ridden 70-80 miles in two days and nary a sore butt....or a sore back horse.

[will ghormley]

Hey Oregon,

I have two different saddlebag patterns you can pick up at just about any leather store.  One is the Single Strap pattern, you can live out'a that for about three days.  The other is the Double Strap pattern that'll hold enough grub to keep you and your horse goin' for a week.  Both have patterns for built-in, under the flap holster.  They're mighty handy, but a lot of work.  If'n you're carryin' it on your shoulder, I'd go with somethin' the size of the Single Strap.

As an aside, I wrote a short article on how to pack your saddlebags to survive in the wilderness.

Will

http://www.willghormley-maker.com/LivingOutofSaddlebags.html

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Good article, Will. Thanks for posting it.