Forums at Society of the Military Horse

Well done!

Good to see!
Thank you

Hi Frank,
Thank you.
I'm a bit late responding because I have been unable to log in for several days. Seems OK now though.
Best,

Hi Frank,
The Society member you exchanged emails with was me. I am working on a study of arms and accoutrements of the US mounted service 1833-1865. Your sabre photos are included in my text and will hopefully be used in the work and credited to you. My editor has the final say on photographs so ...

Good photos Kurt
The peanut is a puzzler

Thank you Philip.
It is good to see these images, as visiting sites in person is not always possible

Thanks Pat.
I had heard of the fight but had no details.
It is much clearer now

Excellent work
the level of detail and authenticity of the saddle and equipment is superior to the sabre and carbine - are these commercial pieces?
If so, make your own!

I think Kurt has analysed this interesting photograph correctly.
The only thing I might add is that it looks to me as if the trooper has used his sabre belt shoulder strap to attach his sabre scabbard on the wrong side of the belt - I think I can see loops of what seems likely to be it wound around ...

Thanks Pat

Yes!
Thank you

Link won't work for me

Many Thanks.
I have come across then Lt. Balch as Ordnance Officer for Harney's Sioux Expedition of 1855.
He seems to have had a good career.

Are the proceedings of the Ordnance Board from which you have posted an extract available online?
Thanks for any help with this.

I am not surprised to hear this.
In my experience research in primary documents can often reveal different stories than those presented in some works that could/should be more properly classified as fiction than as reference works.

"Why is that woman in the weird white outfit walking with us?"

The 1837 pattern holsters don't seem to sit snugly, despite being secured with the surcingle. I think the holsters were configured to fit the 1833 saddle horn. I wonder if any holsters were designed for the Ringgold equipments?

"What the h- - - load are they using in the starting gun!"

I wouldn't mind a wallow in some dragoon materials - any links greatly appreciated

Note Mr. Marsh is using the 1885 sabre attachment to carry his sabre on horseback, although he has opted to keep it attached to his belt.
He might unhook it and then hook it into a pommel ring if serving dismounted.