Existing comment:
Model 1859 McClellan Saddle, c 1864
In 1855, George B. McClellan traveled to Europe in order to study developments in military equipment and tactics. The trip inspired his design for a new military saddle which was adopted by the U.S. Military and saw extensive use in the Civil War. It was known as the "McClellan Saddle." The saddle's creator served as the commander of the Union Army of the Potomac from 1861-1862. After the war, he served as governor of New Jersey.
Mich of the leather has been eroded from this example, exposing the wooden "tree" located underneath, Thomas W. Eayre was riding in this saddle on May 12, 1864 when he was shot and killed at the Battle of Spotsylvania. Originally with the 5th New Jersey Volunteers, Eayres [sic] was an Assistant Adjutant General serving on the staff of General Gershom Mott when he was mortally wounded.
Acquired by Eayre's family after the war, the saddle on display at the 50th annual Jubilee of Moville, Iowa in 1937. When it was not claimed by its lender, a local citizen stored it inside his carpenter's shop for thirty years. It was donated to the State Museum in 1969. |