Saddle Bag Patterns

Johnny McCrae · August 18, 2007, 06:32:03 AM

Where could I find patterns and photo's of period correct Saddle Bags?

I'm looking to make myself a pair. Any information and suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Buffalow Red · August 18, 2007, 05:57:04 PM

ok now theres 2 of us looking for piored corect saddle bags pattern

Major 2 · August 18, 2007, 06:04:45 PM

around here some where

I have a pattern for Fed issue CW bags

I made a pattern for Cantinas ( bags w/ holsters on the outer flaps)
Halfway Creek Charlie has a pair made from that pattern ... I'd have to repoduce the pattern though ( not big deal )
if he will post a photo and you like them the style I'll remake the pattern from memory....

Johnny McCrae · August 19, 2007, 07:19:30 AM

Hello Major 2,

Thanks for the reply.

A photo with some approximate overall dimensions would be of great help. I should be able to make a pattern with that information.

Major 2 · August 19, 2007, 07:35:37 AM

If you mean the Cantinas ... Packing Iron is the book you want.
I have misplace the CD I had my photos on , so Halfway Creek Charlie would have to accommodate you for the photo of that one.

I'll look for the paper patterns for the issue bags , I have not used them in some time....
they are quite a bit smaller than the Cantinas ....

I do have an Officer Haversack photo ( leather ) in the Classifieds ( the pouch is similar in construction )

Johnny McCrae · August 19, 2007, 10:13:23 AM

Attached is a picture I just found in the Cabella catalog of the style of bag I want to make. Is this similar to the Issue Bags you have mentioned?

I want to use this style of a bag at certain matches instead of a gun cart once in a while.

Major 2 · August 19, 2007, 10:57:17 AM

The pattern I have is for the M59 Saddlebags , these are smaller and have a single buckle closure with inner & outer pouches per bag .

The Cabela sold Triple K bags are remanisant of the later Indian War issue, though not exact.

crossdraw · August 20, 2007, 08:42:33 PM

Quote from: Buffalow Red on August 18, 2007, 05:57:04 PM
ok now theres 2 of us looking for piored corect saddle bags pattern

Make that three

Major 2 · August 21, 2007, 05:53:24 AM

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=6316.msg73710

I'll hunt those pattern up again

outrider · August 21, 2007, 10:31:27 AM

I have a re-print copy of the ordnance manual which covers these bags. It has all the specs that were given out to the original suppliers. If anyone is interested I can dig out the manual and do some copies of the bag specs If I remember correctly they were also lined with a canvas bag that buttoned to the interior.

Johnny McCrae · August 21, 2007, 10:56:05 AM

Any information, specifications and patterns for these bags will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for all of your help.

Major 2 · August 21, 2007, 11:56:08 AM

Correct Outrider...the M85 bags did have a canvas pouch that buttoned in,
the M59 did not and were quite a bit smaller.

The M59 consisted of the pocket back with a expansion welt & the front , sewn to this front and into the welt was a second
pocket about 1 " shorter at the top. This pocket was laced partially to close.
Sewn to the back was the closure flap with is single strap/buckle safe & sandwiched between was the cantle saddle strap
This strap was slotted on both sides to fit over the McClellan saddle bag staples and a billet then passed through the stapel to tie the bags in place , there was also a vertical button brass post at the center of the cantle this fit a single punched hole in the Bags cantle strap.

There was also an M74 pattern

Major 2 · August 21, 2007, 01:38:19 PM

Johnny McCrae
photos and drawings sent via email

Triggersmith · August 21, 2007, 03:22:24 PM

Outrider, I would be interested in a copy of that.
Triggersmith
bluesman@acd.net

Buffalow Red · August 21, 2007, 03:38:30 PM

SAY CAN I HAVE A COPY OF THOSE PATTERNS
BUFFALOW2@YAHOO.COM

Major 2 · August 21, 2007, 03:49:21 PM

on their way

Halfway Creek Charlie · August 21, 2007, 10:10:42 PM

I just found this thread and I'll be happy to photograph the Cantenas that Major 2 built and I bought from him they are like the ones on page 60 (center) of Packing Iron. Not a direct copy but same general shape. and straps attached like the closed set on the top of page 61.

I'll try to get a few pictures up ...of course I'll have to fill the holsters with my 2nd gen Navies or maybe the Belgian Armies......

crossdraw · August 21, 2007, 11:44:55 PM

I would also be interested in a copy.
Thanks

Johnny McCrae · August 22, 2007, 07:43:12 AM

Many thanks to Major 2 for the photos and drawings.

I will post photo's of the finished bags.

Major 2 · August 22, 2007, 11:33:57 AM

John I sent you some more photos
note the pebble grain leather

also the V feature of the lace front pocket on one example I sent
these varied from Contract maker to maker some were as shown .. most were straight across or just slightly curved downward.