Here is a fine example of a cavalry carbine socket a.k.a. ‘thimble’ or ‘boot’ used by cavalrymen during the Civil War and well into the 1880s. This small (2½” high) flared and cylindrical accoutrement of cavalry equipment was strapped to the cavalry saddle in such a position that the carbine barrel would easily slip, barrel down, into the socket and support the carbine. Socket would also keep the carbine from flopping about and beating the horse’s flank while the mounted trooper was riding.

Constructed of two, double-layered pieces of heavy black harness leather, the pieces are folded and meet in a stitched seam. The seam on the interior has a slight separation but the piece is still firmly holding together. The socket flares out at the top and bottom. The strap is strong black bridle leather and has a large, japanned-iron harness buckle attached. Strap is stitched and riveted to the boot body. No maker markings visible.

This leather carbine socket is a fine specimen of cavalry horse equipment and is perfect for display in any U.S. cavalry collection. [ld] [ph:L]

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