5531

USMC “CHINA MARINE” MCCLELLAN SADDLE.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
USMC “CHINA MARINE” MCCLELLAN SADDLE.
McClellan saddle w/ USMC marking, used in China by the Marine Corps mounted troops. The principal duty of the Mounted Detachment was to keep in contact w/ the American citizens residing in or near Peking. A census of all American citizens was compiled annually & kept up to date by weekly checks. In addition to drills, parades, inspections, cross country hikes, scouting & patrolling, the Detachment performed various duties such as Mounted Orderlies, Mounted Detachment, Legation Guard, Peking, Stable Patrols & Coal Guards. Russet colored saddle w/ brass fittings, hooded hardwood stirrups marked “US” at forward end. Bottom of right side hardwood stirrup is dated “1917”. Saddle tree marked on left rear “USMC”. Saddle has 12" seat. Worn markings at forward end of saddle tree include “D1R SEARS”. Saddle rigging includes both stirrups, stirrup straps, 1/2" equipment strap, horse hair girth w/ leather pads & steel ring. CONDITION: saddle & rigging are well worn w/ flexing, scuffing & cracking. Brass fittings show patina & verdigris. Horse hair girth has partly separated hair strands. Stirrups have added gloss type finish on wood. (02-13666/RW). $200-400.