McClellan Saddle ID?

[History36]

Hi,

Attached are pics of a McClellan saddle with a unique addition to the center portion that looks to be added with studs of some sort. I was curious to ask please:

1.) Can the center ribbed addition, even if a reproduction, be added to a McClellan saddle?
2.) If so, where may I find one? I'm a horse / saddle guy in learning, so any info would be greatly appreciated to get me started in the right direction.

Thank you for any and all info,

 

[iron bender]

Is this saddle not an 1847 Grimsley 'Dragoon' pattern? It looks the part to me. I have a USGI saddle book that I can check when I get home this evening

 

[iron bender]

Going through The American Military Saddle, 1776-1945 (Dorsey/McPheeters), lots of saddles similar but not exact having the applied girth straps. I'd say it's not a Grimsley but possibly a Civil War era officers type saddle with quilted seat. As for the repro quilted seat, all I can think of is Doug Kidd in Arkansas. I believe it's called Border States Leather. Good luck!

 

[Choatecav]

Nice copy of an officers Mac. Not a Grimsley as the pommel would be higher and sloped more forward and the cantle would be more of a duck tail style, similar to that of a Jenifer.

The terminology for this "ribbed" addition is quilting. They would refer to this as a "quilted and shafted" seat.

As to Doug Kidd at Border States, here is his website but I think he has officially retired from saddle work. Click on this link and on the home page you will see one of his Grimsley's and you will see the difference in the tree, but also the quilting of which you're asking.

Border States Leatherworks | Doug Kidd Leather Goods Artisan | McClellan Saddles, replicas, cavalry, dragoons, bridles, saddlebags, Brass Iron stirrups, bent oak stirrups, American Cavalry, German Cavalry, Hope Saddles,Civil War, Indian War, Tack, Mo

Border States Leatherworks | Civil War and Historical Replicas | 479-361-2642 - If you need something made from leather, I can do it

www.borderstatesleatherworks.com

 

[History36]

Thank you for the info! I sent an email to Border States Leather just in case, but I realize that I may not hear back. It's great to learn of it's correct terminology, but if Border States Leather is no longer in business, would anyone know who may be and could replicate one of these quilted and shafted components to the seat, by chance....?

Thank you once more for your time and info!

 

[Choatecav]

You're welcome.

Not sure who to tell you to contact as I have retired from the hobby (after over 25 years) and I don't know who is building period saddles any longer. It was a tough business to be in and make a living even back when reenacting was big. Now that it has diminished in scale, even harder.

One of my sources back in the day was Karl Pepper. He made saddles in Michigan under a company name of "Glenn Pier Depot." Did excellent work and very accurate to period. I have several of his saddles. Anyway, I don't think he has a website any longer but he is on Facebook. Maybe you can find him.

Good luck with it.

 

[Package4]

Is this saddle not an 1847 Grimsley 'Dragoon' pattern? It looks the part to me. I have a USGI saddle book that I can check when I get home this evening

You might want to buy a post war saddle as they are fairly plentiful and with some leather dye could make a reasonable facsimile.

 

[History36]

Thank you gets for the speedy replies + info - much appreciated! It's good info and enjoyable to learn more about this aspect. I'll be sure to reach out to these sources and see what we can do. Have a great upcoming weekend!