U.S. Army McClellan Model 1908 Military Horse Saddle with Girth & Stirrups

The McClellan saddle is one of the most recognizable pieces of American military equipment ever produced — a design so practical and so long-lived that it remained in U.S. Army service from its introduction in 1859 through the final mounted cavalry operations of the twentieth century. This example is consistent with the Model 1908 configuration: open-seat construction over a rigid wooden and iron tree, deep-oiled brown harness leather over full panels and sweat flaps, and the characteristic open gullet that defined every McClellan variant. Brass shield plates are riveted to the cantle, one stamped "12 INCH SEAT" — the standard manufacturer's specification badge used on regulation-grade military saddlery. The off-side flap carries an inked check mark and the leather is stamped N.L.K.. Brass D-rings and iron stirrup hardware are present throughout, and the horn-free seat confirms the military lineage over any civilian or stock-saddle tradition.

The lot comes with its full complement of associated tack: a pair of leather stirrup leathers with iron stirrup irons, a woven cotton girth with red center stripe and leather billet ends, a leather curb strap or breastplate fragment, and an additional leather-and-iron component consistent with a surcingle or crupper fitting. Together these represent a substantially complete field outfit rather than a bare saddle.

The McClellan saddle was designed by then-Captain George B. McClellan following his 1855 tour of European cavalry units and observation of Prussian and Hungarian saddle construction. The War Department adopted his design in 1859, and while it was updated through at least a dozen pattern revisions — the Model 1885, 1904, 1908, and 1918 being the most commonly encountered — the fundamental open-seat, split-tree architecture remained constant. The Model 1908 refinement standardized the cantle and pommel hardware, including the brass shield specification plates, and represents the mature expression of the design in the years bracketing the First World War. McClellan saddles saw service in every major U.S. military engagement from the Civil War through the Philippine Insurrection, Punitive Expedition into Mexico, and the Western Front, making intact examples with original hardware significant artifacts of American military and frontier history.

• McClellan Model 1908 saddle with rigid tree, brass cantle plates, and full panels
• Pair of leather stirrup leathers with iron stirrup irons
• Woven cotton girth with red center stripe and leather billet ends
• Leather curb strap or breastplate fragment
• Leather-and-iron component consistent with surcingle or crupper fitting

CONDITION

Good overall with honest signs of use and a period of outdoor or unconditioned storage. Leather is supple to firm with surface scuffing, light dryness at the flap edges, and even patina throughout; brass plates show oxidation consistent with age and the iron stirrups carry uniform surface rust. All major components are present and structurally intact.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Seat: 16"
• Cantle Plate Stamp: "12 INCH SEAT"
• Seat Depth: 6"
• Flaps: 15"
• Panels: 20"
• Maker/Inspector Stamp: N.L.K.
• Hardware: Brass shield plates and D-rings; iron stirrup irons
• Pattern: McClellan Model 1908