Posted 14 years ago
lyork43
(2 items)
This is a set of U.S Stamped Leather Saddle bags. I don't know anything about these on how old or what they were used for. I was given the bags from a old friend about 10yrs ago and didn't even see the U.S stamp on the side's till later. The stamp is on Both sides of the saddle bags. I don't even know how to take care of them so I haven't done anything to them, but hanging up in a spare closet. The insides have a very heavy inner liner and for the most part the bags are in good condition. Can anyone tell me more about them? If you need more pictures please let me know. lyork@blomand.net
Thanks,
Larry
Thats a nice friend U have. Don't know the value, but I would put these in the Civil war era!! If I had these, I would use saddle sope on this. It comes in a can & is cream sope for leather. Wal-Mart should have it. U don't want the leather to crack & dry up! Very nice saddle bags!!! :-)
Thanks for the info on keeping it up.. Yes I had a great friend and he passed soon afterward.. I received another item from him that I posted and it's the Welding Torch set that was wrapped in a old news paper with some old ads. It's real cool to but don't know anything about it.
Thanks Again!
Larry
Not sure if either side would put US on the saddle bags during the Civil War. I would guess around the turn of the century, possibly WWI. Most saddle bags I have seen from around the Civil War were black. Anything else stamped on it? WJD?
These look to be US M1904 Cavalry Saddle Bags. There may be a small stamping somewhere on the leather, Rock Island Arsenal. Value would be somewhere in the 200 to 275 bracket.
Yup, I did go back tooooo far on them!! :-) That sounds more like it....
Thanks!! There is another stamp on there: R5 37.. It's stamped on the strap that holds the two bags together.. Wouldn't had seen it if you didn't ask if there was any other stamps..
http://www.icollector.com/US-Cavalry-Saddle-Bags_i8531393
by way of example
Please don't hang them in your closet. You will damage the strap. Also best not to lay it down with the strap folded. I'd suggest laying it flat or over a rounded form. An equestrian / saddle store would likely have some ideas about treating the leather, but to be safe, I'd contact a museum, for example, a civil war type institution for preservation info. Whatever its date, it's a nice item worth taking good care of. (see http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/orig-civil-war-saddlebags-for-1859-mcclellan for info re preservation and care)
I would also like to know the year,I have a set just like them
Be careful here. These saddlebags could also be the M1885 US Army saddlebags - almost exactly like the 1904, however done in black pebblegrain leather. Though the finish is in rough shape, there are areas on the straps and the back the show a black finish. The Model 1904 was russet and when they oiled them they took on a dark brown color. There should be a makers mark and inspectors mark somewhere on the bags also. Google M1885 US Army Saddlebags, get to ebay and have a look a what is there - Walter Budd sold an excellent pair there and you should look very closely at those.
CJH
Today is 1/11/12 and have one pair of US Saddle Bags. It has markings BO.. or 8O...and below that is E.T.C. on the overhang portion. The US is on both bags.
Purchased these about 1959 in 2nd ave hardware store in downtown Nashville, Tn. next to The Cumberland River and Broadway. Loved them the minute i spotted them and would like to learn more, thanks everyone!