Possible confederate bridle

[lancer]

Found in an old locked pine chest, a combination bridle and tethering rope with a New York newspaper dated 1862. this was in storage since the 1920s along with other military items.
the only mark that can be seen is the word MACON, this is on the bridging piece between the throat strap and the tethering ring, all metalwork is iron and the bit is iron as well and looks hand forged.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...0/DSCF5751.jpg
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u...0/DSCF5746.jpg

[Choatecav]

Hello Lancer and while you have been a member for a while, welcome to the forum.

First, I must point out that your first few posts must be approved by a moderator before being public and one of the cardinal rules is that you must post your first and last name. I ask that you please add that and resubmit.

Secondly, this is quite a find that you have. It looks like a CS halter/bridle combination and it is in superb condition. So much so, I cannot believe that it is 150 years old. Are you certain that it has not been tampered with since the 20's?

Please add your name so we can post this for others to see and comment on.

regards,
Mark

[lancer]

The bridle and tethering rope has not seen the light since 1922 when the owner died and his collection of cavalry items were stored in an attic very well packed until now and most of it is very well preserved and in good condition.

John Maddocks.

[David Jarnagin]

It is an interesting bridle but I think it was made after 1900. The two barks used in vegetable tanning at the time of the Civil War were chestnut oak and hemlock. Both of these barks leave a distinctive color during the tanning process and when you know the colors it is easy to spot. The color on the back of the leather does not look like chestnut oak which should a definite yellow color. In 1904 there was a blight that killed off the chestnut oak trees in the U.S. but long before this another bark had replaced chestnut oak in the 1880’s. To see the colors of russet at the time of the CW follow this link. http://confederatesaddles.com/cswp/?p=342

There was a period Macon Arsenal stamp and it said just that “Macon Arsenal” and it was much smaller. I have pictures of the stamp on a Cap pouch.
Here is another link that will help understand how leather was tanned and sold in the 1800’s. http://confederatesaddles.com/cswp/?p=611
If you have any questions please feel free to contact at djarnagin@bellsouth.net

David Jarnagin
Leather researcher and Conservator.

[Secesh]

Thanks David! You are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to period leather and dying techniques.

[Choatecav]

Tom, I will "Amen" that comment, for sure!

David has forgotten more than I will ever know on the subject.

Thanks for the imput, David.

Mark

[lancer]

Further close inspection of the bridle has revealed that under the name MACON is the word ARSENAL but this was so faint that it only appears when a little water is babbed onto that part of the leather. The bridle is now going to the Walsall military leather museum to be examined.
John Maddocks.

[Choatecav]

John,

Please make sure you keep us posted on what they say on this. It is hard enough to judge things when you have them in hand, much less from a photo. I, for one, am very interested in what you find out on this.

regards,
Mark

[lancer]

Update on bridle. Well all I can say is that the bridle and tethering rope has now been sold to a collector/museum and is on its way to Georgia USA.

John Maddocks