Identified Confederate Morgan Saddle and Saddle Bags
Item #: WR656
This is an identified Civil War Morgan "Muley" saddle with saddle bags from the western theater. It is a well known fact that the Confederate Army had to make do with whatever weaponry and equipment they could come by. This is especially true when it comes to the Confederate cavalry. Many of the southern horseman provided their own saddles, as well as horses. Officer's on both sides of the conflict were often required to purchase their own equipment, either through arsenals or private contractors. This Morgan saddle came directly from the family in Mississippi. The hand tooling of the leather can be found throughout the saddle, from the pommel to the cantle. Examples of this saddle, known as the "Muley", can be found in Dorsey and McPheeters book, "American Military Saddle, 1776 - 1945" on pages 68 and 69. The term "muley" is French in origin and means "without horn", describing the lack of a horn on the pommel. The saddle measures 15 3/4" from the pommel to the cantle, is 12" wide and 9" tall. The tree is completely covered in leather, with many of the high wear areas having piecemeal repairs. The rawhide covering the bottom of the tree is completely intact. The stitching remains tight and unbroken in most areas. The areas of the saddle reinforced with leather have beautiful hand tooled markings. This quality craftsmanship can be seen on the pommel, cantle, and seat. Only one of the original brass rosettes remains with the saddle. The stirrups are made of bent oak and have survived well, showing no cracks or breaks. The quarter straps, and sweats are still with the saddle and in good condition. This style of saddle bags is often associated with Confederate use during the Civil War. They came with the saddle and have verbal provenance of being used during the war. They measure 30" across, with each bag measuring 10" tall and 13" wide. These bags, with the Y closure straps are pictured in Ken Knopp's book "Confederate Saddles and Horse Equipment. The set shown on the cover of the book are almost identical to this set. The yoke does not have a hole in the center for a stud, as do the M1859 McClellans, but have a slot just above each bag. These were secured to either staples or rings on the jockeys of the saddle. This set of saddle bags is in very good condition. The russet leather is dry, but still pretty pliable. There is very little crazing or loose of leather. The Y straps on one side are 100% complete, the other side is missing all but one strap, as well as the roller buckles on each bag. The bags have closure strings on the inside at the top, the right side one is broken. There are no repairs and all the stitching is still very tight. This saddle and bags were used by Private Richard Edward Bullington of Company F, 18th Mississippi Cavalry. Richard Edward Bullington was born on 2 September, 1847 in Hernando, Mississippi. Bullington enlisted on 20 September, 1864 at Senatobia, Mississippi at the age of 17. Bullington survived the war and was paroled by Colonel George B. Hoge at Memphis, Tennessee on 15 May, 1865. After the war Richard Bullington was very active in the UCV, being appointed the rank of Colonel and serving on the staff of the UCV Commander in Chief, General G. W. Gordon. He was given the title of "Honorary Commander" for life. Richard Bullington graduated from dental college in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1872. He began a practice in Memphis, Tennessee and was still practicing dentistry in 1942 at the age of 94. He died in Memphis on 16 January, 1943 and is buried at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis. This saddle and bags show some significant wear, but overall they are in pretty good condition. If you have a Confederate Cavalry collection, especially a Mississippi one, these need to be the centerpiece of it!
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