3152

CIVIL WAR FIFTH ARMY CORPS OFFICER’S BRIDLE, BIT &

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR FIFTH ARMY CORPS OFFICER’S BRIDLE, BIT &

MARTINGALE. This exceptional group of horse gear includes a highly embellished, custom made brass plated, iron bit w/ ornate side rosettes featuring a silver Old English “US” in the center of each rosette. The bit is attached to its original black leather halter w/ red leather facing on the front head strap. The halter rosettes feature a 5th Corps Maltese Cross on each rosette. The rosettes are made up of red on white on blue Maltese Crosses representing the 3 divisions in the 5th Corps. At the center of the Maltese Cross is a sm. brass decorative rosette. Accompanying this rare bit & halter is the original martingale featuring the same tricolor Maltese Cross as utilized in decorating the bridle rosettes. The martingale is made up of red faced leather matching exactly the front strap of the bridle. Martingale is complete w/ both fastening side straps & the full length belly strap. All straps have their original rings & buckle. Given the high cost of such an exemplary set of horse leather, it likely would have belonged to a high ranking officer of the 5th Corps, possibly even General Sykes or General Meade. An unexpected & singular opportunity for collectors of horse equipment of the Civil War. A more historic or important halter, bit & martingale would be difficult to find. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: the halter is displayed on a full size, black horse head mannequin. CONDITION: leather remains supple though does show wear. Colors on leather & Corps insignia are still vivid. The bit shows notable wear but still has tremendous presence. The martingale generally shows light to moderate wear w/ all straps intact & functional. (02-15413/BF). $4,000-6,000.