interesting ebay fantasy UP

[Larry Emrick]

1856 British Universal Cavalry Saddle - No Reserve
Possible Civil War Confederate Import Item number: 150356533851

I do not believe it to be what it is purported to be but interesting and rare in its own right. I believe it to be an 1890, based on what appear to be the rear arch supporting struts, the rings to which billet straps would have been attached, the shape and function of the sweat flaps and the leather caps on the ends of the sidebars. There are pictures of a similar saddle on the UP forum. It's not in great shape but appears to be a worthwhile project.
Larry

[John Tremelling]

Did the Civil War go on that long Larry?

John T

[John M]

Yes, Larry, not a bad example of the UP1890 MKII. The ring to the v-girth should be D shaped though?,
John.M.

[Larry Emrick]

Hi John: I wondered about that too. Apart from the damage, the price is about right. It closes today so it will be interesting to see how much it finally sells for.
Also please refresh my memory, would it originally have had fitted numnahs or would it have just used a blanket. The only photo that I can recall seeing of an 1890 in service had only a blanket, but that was in Canadian service (Manitoba Dragoons), where regulations were not necessarily followed to the letter.
Larry