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Rare Model 1903 US Army Experimental Cavalry Halter-Bridle Set

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare Model 1903 US Army Experimental Cavalry Halter-Bridle Set
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Extremely Rare early 20th century specimen. Ca. 1903 US Army Experimental Halter Bridle. Correct early pattern sheet copper brow brand ornaments featuring the US Army Cavalry bridle rosettes- a matched pair that have always been on this halter-bridle. The brow band is legibly marked & #34; Rock Island Arsenal& #34; and dated & #34; 1903& #34;, as well as having two sets of unit applied inventory stamps. The proper model 1902 Cavalry bit is present as well as the Model 1903 curb chain with the leather safe intact. In addition both of the special iron curb chain hooks are present. These hooks are almost as rare as this halter-bridle and hard to find. Once they were separated from the bits they became scrap.

The Army regarded the concept of combining the halter and bridle in one unit as experimental and labeled it as such, not only in the initial Ordnance Department drawings, but continued to do so some fifteen years later when the Ordnance Manual 1719 was published in 1917. While known to exist from the Ordnance Department records and manuals, finding one of these early pieces on the loose is considered by some in the cavalry equipment collecting community as being nearly impossible.

**Leather shows signs of use & amp; age but is solid. This halter bridle is complete with all the straps, buckles, and full length billets. The surface of the leather is crazed and there is some minor flaking and cracking. With some conditioning and proper mounting this set will display nicely in the future. The bit and metal parts have some surface rust and patina. Overall in excellent condition for the age.**

$1000-$1,200