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August 14, 2021
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I got my hands on what appears to be a 1904 model McClellan saddle, the tree appears to be 1904 model. But the double quarter rigging is model 1913 style for army pack mules. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a Smith-Worthington manufacture, oldest in the country. I can’t get a response from anybody. Some of you, boys in Texas or out west must know something.
May 23, 2009
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I don’t much of nothing technical about old saddles. But that one sure looks like it needs a good oiling!
Sincerely,
Maverick
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July 17, 2012
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Steve,
Are your sure that is not a 1918 Artillery Model? That is what it looks like to me. But I am certainly no expert, I just sit on them….
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
August 14, 2021
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I don’t think the artillery models had the double cinch, but I’ll have to check again. No other markings that I can see that indicate this was USGI. I don’t know if it’s some type of transitional saddle to the 1913 model? Or it’s just a 1904 that somebody reworked with double cinch’s.
July 17, 2012
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No need to check, you are correct, they only had a single. I forgot about the double cinch in your photos.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
January 8, 2025
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Did they all have a crupper or just the mule saddles? I have an early 1900s shipley half seat I used to trail ride. I’ve looked at McClellans. I’d like to have one to go with my saddle ring carbines
August 14, 2021
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I’m not sure they were used on a consistent basis with McClellans, but I’ve seen them on Grimsley dragoon saddles. They were not have a constant force on the animals tail area, just if the saddle started to slip under load, I guess on a down slope. I guess they are rare enough where most people are not even sure of its use. I’d have to research the army regs on their use.
January 8, 2025
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I’ve heard of their use with McClellans, but I’ve never seen a modern mule saddle that didn’t have one. I guess it would depend on the shape of your horse. There’s a civil war cavalry living historian on YouTube that has a couple videos on the saddle. Period quarter master return lists and reports from officers on their likes and dislikes of the different models and attachments. His channel is the 11th OVC. 11th Ohio volunteer cavalry I just happened to listen to his videos this week
August 14, 2021
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Feedback I received from MilitaryHorse on a leather/ saddle sub forum. I had to PM him directly.
The seat is very much a surplus WW1 seat. The non-regulation changes appear to be interesting customizations. From the polished look of the altered quarterstraps and stirrups, I’d bet that this was actually done by Smith-Worthington, as that stamp was usually reserved for cincha safes.
The well-finished quarterstraps look like converted Whitman rigging, which shouts Smith-Worthington, who had bought out Muelbach and were making the Whitman styles then. Crupper looks like it was made postwar as well with regulation hardware. Perhaps a police saddle rig.
January 8, 2025
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Thanks for sharing the feedback. I’ve looked at McClellans for years but haven’t stumbled upon one I would buy yet. I wonder how many were surplused after WWI. I see a handful on eBay, I watch for old saddles, They are always “original “ but I think most are like yours. Price plus shipping, eBay is a terrible place for saddles.
August 14, 2021
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I stopped in a random garage sale with my daughter a few miles away. I offered the guy 50 bucks and he took it.
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