WWI US Army M1904 McClellan Cavalry Saddle Rig - Rock Island Arsenal 1918 - Rare 12\" Seat w/ 1914 RIA Irons with multiple stamped markingsOriginal, historically rich World War I U.S. Army Model 1904 McClellan Cavalry Saddle. This is a highly sought-after variant featuring the original brass pommel shield explicitly stamped\"12 INCH SEAT\"—a scarce larger size compared to the standard 11½-inch trooper variants with Rock Island Arsenal 1914 Stirrup Irons.Marked Hotze(Henry Hotze & Sons was a premier 19th and 20th-century leather manufacturing company based out of St. Louis, Missouri)a sought-after private government contract variant.

• Stamped ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL / 1918 / J.N.S.(Inspector initials for civilian inspector John N. Scott).
• The lower drops are stamped with a sizing number 28, indicating its original configuration for a standard 28-inch military cinch.
• Matching pair ofModel 1912 Nickel Steel Stirrup Irons, stamped\"R.I.A. / 1914 / U.S.\"and\"N.S.\" on the bottom of the foot treads. It was a standard, documented practice for the military to pair existing pre-war arsenal iron inventories (like these 1914 variants) with wartime 1918 leather rigs during the peak buildup for the Western Front.

• US Army Cavalry McClellan SaddleModel 1904
• Stamped Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), Dated 1918
• Stamped HOTZEinto the leather side quarters, often sub-stamped with government ordinance inspector initials which appears to be\"J.D.S.\"
• Irons: marked Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), Dated 1914
• 12 Inch Seat size (Scarce larger size)
• Inspector Stamp:J.N.S. (John N. Scott)
• Stamped \"O.B.\"(Occasionally, sub-inspectors or company saddlers stamped specific contract batch letters here. Military regulations required inspectors to stamp the leather directly underneath the cantle or on the rear extension bars to certify that the leather hide met the strict density and durability standards mandated by the Ordnance Department. This is additional proof that the saddle remains in its completely original, un-tampered WWI state)
• Overall in very good condition for age
• Leather is relatively supple for age with only some surface cracking in some areas of straps
• Some nicks and scratches on seat as to be expected from use
• One drop strap is broken, however it fits perfectly and unseen once slid back up into the loop. See side by side photo of what it looks like broken and also reinserted into loop
• One of the lower metal quarter-strap rigging rings is slightly warped/out-of-round
• Top of cantle has a small area where threads are pulled away. Not real obvious and didn\'t even notice until photos were taken. See cantle photo
• Saddle is well-preserved for age as has been obviously stored in a controlled environment and not in a damp/dusty barn. It is a nice slice of American cavalry history that makes for a worthy WWI militaria display
• Saddle weighs 13 lbs 8 oz
• Selling As-Is
• This will be packed in a large box and shipping will reflect this. Check all shipping options for the best price to you from here in NY
• FREE LOCAL PICKUP

PRODUCT LIABILITY DISCLAIMER:No warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, is made regarding the function, use of and/or safety of the product(s) sold. Buyer assumes all risk and liability resulting from purchase of above item(s).Also check out my store for moreVisit My store: Horse Cents and Pony Tales
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