The Model 1913 McClellan Packer's Saddle

This odd saddle was made as a saddle for packers ("wranglers" of supply pack trains) who needed the horn for lead ropes, etc.  Quite a number of other personnel in cavalry organizations were also issued packer saddles instead of the regular McClellan service saddle. Many packers relied on commercial western-type saddles, which were later made by the contractors such as R.T. Frazier, and K.C. Saddlery Company for a short time during WWI. These McClellan packers were totally different in dimensions from the cavalry/artillery McClellans, as they were generally used with mules. The saddles featured a bare brass horn, and four brass rigging rings, and two horsehair or mohair cinchas. These generally had steel knife-edge stirrups.