Forums at Society of the Military Horse

This is neat. I like the horse. He reminds me of a Thoroughbred that I once owned. I've got some questions and input on the saddlery and kit, but I wonder if this thread might get a little better exposure if it was moved to the "UP Forum". On the kit: what is the box below the rider's butt...

These look like the type of officer epaulettes that were worn through the Federal Period (1794-1812 -- maybe into the 1820's). As I recall, these winged type epaulettes were favored by the mounted arms. Of course, for a militia officer, there may be no absolute rules that apply. Company grade office...

The Division's HQ Troop was drawn from the 1st Illinois Cavalry before most of that regiment was converted to artillery. I may be wrong, but I think that I've read that HQ Troop was drawn from Chicago's Black Horse Troop.

My Army experience falls in with everyone else. I was issued a mess kit, but may have only used it a few times. I used one as a Boy Scout more often. I know that they were manufactured at least up to the 1980's, as I've seen some with '70's and '80's dates. I note that the blog article does not ment...

The photo in the Punitive Expedition thread of Gen. Bell reminded me of this pic of him inspecting the 33rd Division Headquarters troop in France. (Note: he is still wearing his trademark whiskers!)

Here's a modern incarnation. -- not near the quality of some of the finer furniture:

http://www.viralnova.com/not-a-box/

Good eye, Philip! Now that you mention the Sam Brownes, I see the braid on their sleeves. I'm still intrigued by the arm band on officer #2 - Medical Officer? What is behind their left shoulders? Do they have their helmets slung there somehow?

There was a Headquarters Troop of cavalry assigned to each Division Headquarters. As I understand it, their duties were mostly limited to use as runners, provost, and misc. I once saw a "TO&E" for these troops, and they were meant to be partially horse mounted, and partially mechanized...

US WWI Christmas Card: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGi_zd0dUbI/UXNJ0y9ciaI/AAAAAAAAJKA/yzPfTlcSPVg/s1600/IMGP5617.JPG From: http://warmonument.blogspot.com/2013/04/wyoming-veterans-museum-natrona-county.html?spref=bl Is that a "bring back"? The card is British - from the Royal Engineers.

Looking at the foot position of the troopers (something I have been working on lately) most have their toes pointed out, but look at the officer. His feet seem to be rolled to the inside, turning the sole of the boot outward. Interesting. Jim I had noticed that as well. At first, I was a bit put of...

I should have the answers, as my son plays trumpet and is an aspiring Cavalry field musician. It's hard to keep it all straight, though. I'll relate what I know, and someone else can fill in the blanks. In general, trumpets are made of straight tubing, and bugles are made of flared tubing. I don't r...

Kurt, I was asking about the use of "both". It seems that some officer's breeches did have laces AND a button flap below them. I was curious as to why. :thumbup: Jim Wow. Those are some seriously tartan breeches. What's the story? Those came from WPG. My wife gave them to me and I really ...

Kurt, I don't know the answer, either. I would speculate that it may be easier to tailor a pair of breeches to fit a leg using a button placket vs laces. I do know that the WWI British pattern breeches (like the tartan breeches that you show) ALL used a combo of laces and the button flap, below. As ...

Oh so cool! Thanks Kurt!

I find this period fascinating for the study of uniforms and equipment. I agree with Pat that it must have caused many a young officer to tear his hair out trying to keep his bank account in order. We should add that the early olive colored cotton uniforms (pat. 1909) were colored with unstable dyes...

Is the "Irish jaunting Cart", as seen in these pics, unique to Ireland, or could you commonly see it in other lands?

I love his quote: "Time dismounted can never be regained."

I believe that the pouch mounted on the pommel of that saddle is a compass pouch for the leather officer's belt ("Sam Brown").

There was a thread on the US Militaria forum recently about a 1905 era folding shovel. It was only used in trials, but did manage to find its way into a photo in a manual.

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ ... &hl=shovel