Confederate cavalry troopers used a wide variety of saddlebags: some captured, some government made, and many likely of this commercial type that was popular before, during and after the war. This pair is in great condition and shows an interest on conserving the leather: the yoke and bag covers are leather, while the bags themselves are painted canvas. This was likely a manufacturer’s choice, but it echoes nicely the decision of the Confederate Ordnance Department in early 1864 to save leather by producing saddlebags only of, “strong and suitable cotton cloth, properly enameled.”

A variety of saddlebag styles is to be expected for southern cavalry, who supplied their own horses. Further, many troopers, north and south, would have found the McClellan pattern too small, whether issued or captured. A similarly configured set, though made all of leather, is shown on page 111, upper right, of Knopp’s book on CS saddles and horse equipment, and identified to a Confederate cavalry officer. We are also aware of at least one identified set of commercial bags used by a New York cavalryman during the war.

These saddlebags are in excellent condition. The leather is in great shape, with good color. The bags themselves rate very good as well, and show just some small holes and minor runs to the canvas on the interior upper edge just below where the bag is stitched to the leather. Each flap has two fastening straps riveted in place that are secured by horseshoe shaped buckles mounted at the bottom of the bags. The name “Milton B.” appears in period handwriting on the underside of one flap and on the yoke, but we have no further identification.

This is a nice, period set of privately purchased saddlebags that would fill out a mounted display and look great with a Confederate cavalry saber across them.  [SR]

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