This is a US Model 1859 Cavalry bridle used during the Civil War. The bridle consists of the headstall, Model 1859 bit and the reins. The Model 1859 Cavalry equipage was designed and named after General George McClellan. A complete set of of the "Pattern of 1859" cavalry horse equipment consisted of a bridle, watering bridle, halter, saddle, saddle bags, saddle blanket, surcingle, pair of spurs, curry comb, horse brush, picket pin and lariat. The bridle was composed of three components, the headstall, bit and reins. This was the primary bridle used during not only the Civil War, but was used well into the 1880's during the Indian Wars as well. This US Model 1859 bridle is in very good condition. The black bridle leather is supple and very pliable and has no crazing, but does have a few age cracks here and there. The leather remains strong throughout, and displays very well. The headstall is complete with the crown piece, brow band, both cheek pieces and throat lash. The brow band is stamped with the number 29 and hand scratched numbers 677. Scratched into the crown pieces are the letters AT KY. The headstall used three brass buckles, two on the cheek pieces at the bit and one to adjust the throat lash. The two buckles on the cheek pieces are not sewn on. The bit is complete except for the curb chain. The entire bit has a reddish brown patina, but there is no flaking or scale on the bit. Both of the brass US bosses are still present. There are no visible stamps or markings on the bit. The reins are not sewn onto the reins rings of the bit, but are attached to the bit using two more brass buckles. They appear to be full length, and are still sewn together in the center to form a continuous loop, making it easier for the trooper to control his mount. While there are plenty of the Model 1859 bits around, these complete bridle sets are few and far between. This Model 1859 Cavalry Bridle will make an excellent addition to any Civil War or Indian War cavalry collection.

(Sold)

---

If you have ordered or are considering ordering an antique weapon or artifact from our website please be advised that these artifacts and antique weapons are sold strictly as collectible antiques.

We strongly recommends that these artifacts be enjoyed and appreciated for their historical significance and not ever fired. By ordering you are acknowledging these facts, warnings and assume full responsibility for your personal actions with regard to them.

We DO NOT sell modern firearms , all our inventory is pre 1898 and are classified by the ATF as antiques and require no government paperwork to own.