Here is a fine example of a cavalry carbine socket a.k.a. ‘thimble’ or ‘boot’ used by Federal cavalrymen during the Civil War and well into the 1880s. This small (2½” high) flared and cylindrical accouterment 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, each 7½” long x 2½” wide, the pieces are folded and meet in a strongly stitched seam. The socket flares out at the top and bottom. The closure strap, 11” long x ½” wide 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 un-marked, leather carbine socket is a fine specimen of cavalry horse equipment and is perfect for display in any U.S. cavalry collection.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!