This is a regulation piece of cavalry gear that is seldom found in this good condition. These iron pins permit the trooper to let his horse graze at temporary halts during a march or on campaign. A thick figure-8 loop of iron at the top connects to the picket rope and permits the horse to move in a broad circle around the pin when pounded into the ground. There was not much use for them in civilian life so most examples are excavated or rough condition barn-finds. This one still has a good surface, with light overall surface corrosion as is natural for iron, but actually shows some gray metal with no deep pitting or scaling of the surface.

This came from the effects of George W. Mowers, Co. D, 21^st PA Cavalry, is from the same large grouping of material preserved by his family since his death in 1895. Mowers came from Fayetteville, just west of Gettysburg along the Chambersburg Pike and enlisted in the 21^st PA Cavalry July 11, 1863, mustered in on July 15, and served out the regiment’s term of service of six months under the call up of emergency troops to counter Lee’s move north in the Gettysburg campaign. The regiment was split up for its service. Mowers’ company was apparently one of those sent to Harpers Ferry to do duty. In February 1864 the regiment rendezvoused at Chambersburg for muster out. Mowers later enlisted in the 87^th PA Infantry, but this is clearly a memento of his cavalry service and would make a good addition to a grouping of his material or as part of a cavalry display.  [sr]

Accompanied by military & pension records.

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