Confederate Curry Combs

[Ken Knopp]

These two curry combs were early excavations from the Atlanta battlefield. Given their simple, crude construction patterns and similarities to other CS type curry combs that I have seen over the years and,....their dis-similarity to common Federal patterns, I believe these to be of CS manufacture.
It is quite likely one or both are Augusta Arsenal patterns. The Augusta Arsenal was the South's largest provider of curry combs. From my research (limited by the surviving documents) I was able to document 17,500 combs provided to western armies with some 89% of these made through Augusta contracts (with lots of them going to/through Atlanta). Nevertheless, as one of the most "deficient" items of horse equipment as noted in CS Inspection Reports it is possible this figure may be more accurate than we realize.
Anyway, it is not often I am able to come across such well preserved specimens. These were apparently dug many years (maybe decades) ago but exhibit the simple, plain construction that typifies CS curry comb manufacture.

Ken R Knopp

[Ken Knopp]

Here's another Confederate comb and another "possible" CS comb. The first is most certainly CS. Its pattern is a "knock off" of the pre-1840's "Pad" comb (copied from early English patterns). Interestingly, the "pad" pattern was also made by some Federal contractors during the war and quite conveniently generally fits the required description for curry combs in the 1861 Ordnance Manual. It was simple to make which is yet another reason the Confederacy adopted it. However, this Confederate version of the pad comb is quite poorly made of very thin sheet iron with a poor excuse for a back strap. No wonder there were complaints of their "being so weak that the least thing breaks them" (Maj. J.G. Haskell Artillery battalion to Lt Col. Baldwin, Nov 20, 1863, Natl Archives, WDCCR, Richmond Arsenal).
This comb was found at Blackfords Ford, Antietam, MD. in 1959. It may have been made by Boyle & Gamble (Richmond Va.) of sword making fame or it might well be the notorious Augusta Arsenal pattern. Augusta was the Confederacy's largest maker of curry combs. Although some combs were imported (at least in 1863-64) except for the Augusta Arsenal Boyle & Gamble were the only contractors providing a significant suppy of curry combs to the ANV.
One interesting side bar is that the poorly made Augusta Arsenal curry combs (and horse brushes) caused a rift between Richmond Arsenal Military Store Keeper William S Downer and Chief of Ord. Josiah Gorgas beginning in July 1863. This resulted in a rather acrimonious internal investigation culminating in early 1864 which probably among other things, caused Downer to leave the Ordnance Department shortly after. The correspondence surrounding the investigation of these combs is quite sharp and abnormal for the usually business-like Gorgas.
The second comb may also be CS. I cannot be sure. It is rather simple and better made than the above but still an abbreviated copy of a common pre war pattern. It was found at White Oak Rd in Dept 1960.
Anyway, for you "lorinery" nerds (like myself) I find these of interest.

Ken R Knopp
www.confederatesaddles.com

[csabugler]

Those are cool, but the handles sure are skinny...

[MustangGray]

Mr. Knopp,

Do you have a photo of the reverse of the copy of the 1840's comb? Just curious as to what it looks like. Thanks!

SMc

[Linkstrap]

Ken,

On behalf of fellow lorinery nerds everywhere, thank you for sharing this information with us, it's truly fascinating stuff!

Best regards,

[Ken Knopp]

Scott,


Actually, the reverse is not very good nor interesting. It "was" a six bar comb but is largely disintegrated. However, as a description, it appears to have been made of light weight iron with rows of teeth like all curry combs. Most of which is now gone I am sorry to say. Glad you all enjoy these.

Ken R Knopp
www.confederatesaddles.com