Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Nice! Did you make this for someone to use, or is it a show piece? I had a work colleague, who was a novice horse rider, rave about the McLellan saddle he rode on a pack trip.  I wondered if he correctly identified the saddle because I've never seen them in use for any regular horse sport.  I've never used one, but wonder how comfortable they are.  --John

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Comfort and Army go together with Military Intelligence

Edited by chrisash

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I knew a few old quartermasters who assured me that the McLellan was primarily designed to be horse friendly not rider friendly but over time, improvements were made with the trooper in mind. The model in the pictured is the 1917, one of the most advanced but I never knew an old cavalry Sargent who wasn't one tough booger. Endurance saddles are much like them? 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Very nice!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
4 hours ago, Squilchuck said:

Nice! Did you make this for someone to use, or is it a show piece? I had a work colleague, who was a novice horse rider, rave about the McLellan saddle he rode on a pack trip.  I wondered if he correctly identified the saddle because I've never seen them in use for any regular horse sport.  I've never used one, but wonder how comfortable they are.  --John

Personally I ride this saddle (original 1904 ) and I use it for riding in mountains. For me it's best  saddle -  light, best balance, short etc.

I did this one for a man who celebrate US Cavalary in Germany. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
On 1/2/2019 at 9:29 AM, chrisash said:

Comfort and Army go together with Military Intelligence

:lol:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know this thread is a little old...but then so am I. :)

From where do you source your brass parts? What weight of leather did you use? What type of leather (skirting, harness, etc) I have a late 1800s McClellan knock-off I'd like to rebuild/restore to usable condition. I've been told a 7-8oz skirting leather, but that feels heavier than what was originally on it. The original leather is suitable for patterns, but most of the seams were ripping out. Any handy hints and suggestions would be welcome. I'll be hand-stitching.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Brass parts used to be fairly plentiful and easy to find - Mast Harness made a ton of reproduction pieces, and Weaver carried them for awhile after buying Mast out.  Doesn't look like Weaver lists their 'reenactment hardware' anymore.  Plenty of NOS repro brass on eBay, but oddly enough, the sellers tend to list them for original artifact prices :rolleyes2: .   Some folks have stashes tho...

The covers on military McClellan's were 6-7 oz. collar leather.  Having done new covers from tracings of old pieces, that will work, but you want to make and install the covers like the original were done.  Put all the leather pieces together OFF the saddletree, leaving only the outside seams open.  The smaller top sidebar covers can be stitched to the bottom covers where the arches are at.  This makes a "boneless" saddle - you case the leather and fit the cantle over first, then the pommel, and then pull the bottom covers through the center slot.  Fit the top sidebar tips over, then it's all about smoothing the leather, tacking the gaps along the pommel and cantle outside edges.  This just leaves the outer seams to stitch up..

Todd H.

https://www.militaryhorse.org/

 

 

 

closing_cover.png

fitting_cover.png

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
20 hours ago, MilitaryHorse said:

Brass parts used to be fairly plentiful and easy to find - Mast Harness made a ton of reproduction pieces, and Weaver carried them for awhile after buying Mast out.  Doesn't look like Weaver lists their 'reenactment hardware' anymore.  Plenty of NOS repro brass on eBay, but oddly enough, the sellers tend to list them for original artifact prices :rolleyes2: .   Some folks have stashes tho...

The covers on military McClellan's were 6-7 oz. collar leather.  Having done new covers from tracings of old pieces, that will work, but you want to make and install the covers like the original were done.  Put all the leather pieces together OFF the saddletree, leaving only the outside seams open.  The smaller top sidebar covers can be stitched to the bottom covers where the arches are at.  This makes a "boneless" saddle - you case the leather and fit the cantle over first, then the pommel, and then pull the bottom covers through the center slot.  Fit the top sidebar tips over, then it's all about smoothing the leather, tacking the gaps along the pommel and cantle outside edges.  This just leaves the outer seams to stitch up..

Todd H.

https://www.militaryhorse.org/

 

 

 

closing_cover.png

fitting_cover.png

Fantastic pictures, for historical interest if nothing else!  I can see a Campbell/Randall stitcher being used the first picture.  It's rare to find such an old photograph of a leatherworker in action, with such clarity.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wow I am glad this thread came back to life. OP made a great looking saddle and I also love seeing old photos of leather workers doing thing deal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to do this, but I'm going to revive this thread again.

Question: The McClellan I am going to rebuild did not have fleece on the bars, but I thought I'd add the fleece. Seems to keep the saddle from wandering on the horse's back. I see the guys in the vintage photos fleeced theirs. Any advice on that? MilitaryHorse, are you still watching this thread?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hoping people are still seeing this thread--I posted a new thread to help me fine-tune the identification of a McClellan I found...so I'm in need of some expertise!

Amanda, in WV

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...