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Magnificent Cavalry Officer's Saddle Breaststrap w/Martingale
Price: 1800
This very decorative cavalry breaststrap with martingale could date from the pre-War period when yellow was adopted as the cavalry colour, to 1865. It is so made that it would be appropriate with the Ringgold, the Grimsley or an officer's Pat. 1859 McClellan Saddle.
Of very heavy, lined leather, the Y-shaped breaststrap is 1 1/4 in. at the narrowest, widening to 3 1/4 in. where it meets the large leather shield at the bottom. The shield itself measures 5 x 7 1/4 in. and bears a 4 x 4 3/4 in. copper shield with deep patination. The four copper buttons on each arm of the breaststrap range from 7/8 in. to 1 1/2 in. in diameter. The martingale strap is designed to attach to the horse's bridle and to the girth at the other end. Most of that strap is faced with yellow leather.
Most museums have nothing like this fine and rare piece and it would enhance any officer's saddle of the three models mentioned. There is a little breaking of the enameled leather on the martingale strap but no leather loss. As can be seen in the photo, the breaststrap is fully edged with yellow leather. Other photos are available on request.
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