US Model 1885 Saddle Bags by Long 1917
Item #: AA3443
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This is a set of US Model 1885 saddle bags designed to be used with the McClellan saddle system made famous during the Civil War. The saddle bags are 44" wide and each bag measures 11" across and 12" tall. This set of saddle bags exhibits moderate wear from use and they are in fair condition. The leather is still supple and pliable. There is very little crazing, flaking or loss of leather and all stitching is tight and unbroken. The yoke has no repairs and the single hole for the stud remains undamaged, but the stitching for the right side bag at the yoke juncture is broken. The bags are now two separate pieces. The straps used to retain the yoke to the foot loops on the saddle are both present. All three closure straps for each bag are present, but two of the buckles on the left bag are missing. The interior liner bags are missing. The embossed US within an oval are clearly visible on each bag. The yoke above the left bag is stamped LONG/1917. Usually the bottoms of the bags are torn or have holes in them, this is not the case for either bag. The yoke remains the original russet color, but the bags themselves have been dyed black. I suspect someone was trying to pass them off as civil war period saddlebags. This set of WWI era saddle bags could be easily repaired by a leather worker or saddle maker.
Shipping Weight:
4 lbs
Item # AA3443
(Sold)
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