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Scarce 1872 Brush and Shoe Pouch for McClellan Saddle
Price: 600
Adopted in 1872 and first discussed in Ordnance Memo 13. the Brush and Shoe Pouch was, in effect, a miniature saddlebag set with two pockets and a connecting, cut out seat that fit over the pommel peak of the McClellan Saddles then in service, i.e. 1868 and 1872. When the 1874 McClellan came out, presumably the 1872 Brush and Shoe Pouch continued in service until they were used up in the field or recalled.
One pocket of the set carried two horseshoes and fifteen shoe nails. The other pocket carried the brush and curry-comb. These were made by Watervliet Arsenal and were, at least largely, converted from CW saddlebags. For that reason, many newly-issued brush and shoe pouches had a used look even when first issued. They were secured to the pommel of the saddle by the pommel cloak straps passing through a loop sewn on the back of each pocket and a loop sewn on the top of the connecting seat.
This set is exceptionally nice and solid. The leather of the two pockets is relatively shiny while the seat shows much flexing and some flaking. A "US" that was stamped on the narrow seat loop now only shows the "U" but the underlying leather is strong. Both pockets have full-length closing billets. The large pocket has a 1" break in the lower face of the bottom of the pocket but, considering the rarity of the overall pouch, this is inconsequential. The back of the smaller pocket shows stitch marks from the original CW saddlebag configuration. One rivet securing the attaching loop on the back of pocket has lost its burr but this is in a place that could easily be re-riveted if desired.
The 1872 Brush and Shoe Pouch apparently was a one-time manufacture and was allowed to be used up in the field. When the 1874 McClellan Saddle came out with its commodious saddlebags, the brush and shoe pouch apparently became optional and they were not replaced as they wore out. So, today, they are quite scarce even though they were used on three different Indian War McClellan Saddles. A photo of the back of the pouch is available on request.
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