Forums at Society of the Military Horse

Lt. Col. P. Loeser. Interesting mounted news photograph. Don't know the unit. Comments on tack?

From the same event.

Col. C. Vanderbilt

General O'Ryan

I noticed that many of the troopers are holding the reins in their "right" hand and some have the reins in "both" hands. Normally, military riders use the "left" hand.

Given at least one of these names, I suspect that this is a New York state Guard parade, which may explain some style varieties.

Pat Holscher wrote:Lt. Col. P. Loeser. Interesting mounted news photograph. Don't know the unit. Comments on tack?

Martingale!

Must be NY National Guard. Gen O'Ryan was commander of the 27th Division.

Couvi wrote:

Pat Holscher wrote:Lt. Col. P. Loeser. Interesting mounted news photograph. Don't know the unit. Comments on tack?

Martingale!

I'm not seeing that. I think the photo angle may make the second rein look like a martingale, particularly as that horse has a collar.

Is that an Audley holster on LTC Loeser?

Brian P. wrote:Is that an Audley holster on LTC Loeser?

Man, you have sharp eyes!

I'd never heard of Audley holsters until your post, so I sure don't know. But it's definitely an open top holster.

There were a lot of non standard holsters around in the revolver days, but seeing one with the M1911 is fairly rare.

Definitely an Audley holster. Most of the Audleys found are for the smaller, M1903(8) type Colt autos. This large one for the M1911 is nice to see. Also notice the bit on his bridle. Very similar to the 1850s dragoon bits, but not quite.
Rick T

Rick Throckmorton wrote:Definitely an Audley holster. Most of the Audleys found are for the smaller, M1903(8) type Colt autos. This large one for the M1911 is nice to see. Also notice the bit on his bridle. Very similar to the 1850s dragoon bits, but not quite.
Rick T

I like the looks of it. I wonder how well they held up in the grime of the Western Front, where perhaps a flapped holster was particularly appropriate.

I've never diddled with an Audley other than to hold a couple. There is a spring tensioned brass knob that sticks through the trigger guard that secures the pistol into the holster. I don't know how to defeat the knob to enable the pistol to be drawn. It does appear that the pistol does remain uncovered as compared to the flap type holster, so filth getting into or on the pistol may have been a consideration in a combat theatre. I don't think I have ever noticed one in a photo during WW1 before, but that doesn't mean a thing as I've never paid much attention to that period to have noticed. The subject photograph is a pretty neat photo.

Here's a pic of LTC Olstead, O'Ryan's Chief of Staff. He's wearing a flapped Audley. (Maybe it's a New York thing!)

For anyone interested, Jerry Lee at What Price Glory has reproduced the Audley for the 1911: http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/502 ... 1-45-Auto/

Here's a pic of LTC Olstead, O'Ryan's Chief of Staff. He's wearing a flapped Audley. (Maybe it's a New York thing!)

In the last picture Brian posted, the LTC is wearing "dismounted" leggings.

Pat Holscher wrote:

Couvi wrote:

Pat Holscher wrote:Lt. Col. P. Loeser. Interesting mounted news photograph. Don't know the unit. Comments on tack?

Martingale!

I'm not seeing that. I think the photo angle may make the second rein look like a martingale, particularly as that horse has a collar.

Okay, breast collar.

Brian P. wrote:Must be NY National Guard. Gen O'Ryan was commander of the 27th Division.

Another, same series of Gen. O'Ryan.

Col. Sidney Grant.