US Model 1885 Carbine Boot by Rock Island Arsenal
Item #: AA3762
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This is a US Model 1885 Cavalry carbine boot used during the Indian Wars period. The Model 1885 Carbine boot was designed to attach to the side of the McClellan saddle and eliminate the need for a carbine sling. This carbine boot proved to be to short and not able to support the weight of the 1873 Trapdoor carbines. The most common failure of the 1885 version was the mouth of the boot, it would tear and rip apart due to the weight of the carbine pulling against it while the horse was under way. The 1886 version corrected these shortcoming by lengthening the boot and putting a brass reinforcement at the mouth of the boot. This boot is in very good condition and measures 11 1/2" in length, 5 1/2' wide at the mouth and 3 1/2" wide at the toe of the boot. The leather is still pliable and shows light crazing. It has a makers stamp of ROCK ISLAND/ARSENAL just above the upper strap. Just below the mouth on the same side as the Rock Island stamp the numbers 26 and 4 are stamped, with a smaller number 5 beside the 2. The letter M is also stamped just below the number 4. On the reverse side the number 52 is stamped. The only detractor of this boot is the fact that's been stored improperly and is pretty much flat now. The 1885 boot saw very limited service during the Indian Wars, before it was replaced by the improved Model 1886. Most failed and were destroyed, making a surviving one pretty scarce. This one will compliment your Indian Wars Cavalry collection quite well.
Shipping Weight:
1 lb
Item # AA3762
Your Price $350.00 USD
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