Full-sized Caltrop or Horse Crippler
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This is the standard or more common design for the caltrop or horse-crippling spike. It measures approximately 1 1/2" tip to tip.
All Original Civil War Pack Mule Bridle, US Rosettes, Mule Bit.
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This is a wonderfully preserved & intact CW period bridle rig for mule. It has all the leather straps, buckles, two sets of "U.S." rosettes, and even an ox-mule bit.
Union Cavalry Bit from Famous Winchester, Va.
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This standard issue US cavalry bit was excavated in area of Winchester, Virginia, an area where many successive clashes between the two cavalries occurred. The typical "US" brass medallions are no longer present on the sides. Was it tossed aside due to a mechanical problem or was the steed lost in battle. Being bigger targets, many horses were shot out from under cavalrymen. Many hundreds of dead animals needed to be buried after huge battles.
Union Groove-back Spur: Manassas
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The standard brass spur of the Union cavalry forces: Brass groove-back. Unmarked by maker. The iron pin-wheel or pointed spur has long-since rusted away. Found on private land in area of Manassas approximately 1960-61.
Unique-shaped Caltrop/ Horse Crippler
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This is an EXTREMELY unique shaped caltrop, spread on fields to cripple or slow horses in cavalry advances. This has 5 upright spikes on either side and a radial star of 5 spikes as well around edges.
Great condition. 1 5/8" across; 1" deep. Fairly heavy cast iron.
Hand forged Watering Bit
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This is a hand-forged (blacksmith made) watering bit that could have been used by the Onfederate forces. It is a watering bit: simpler and less irritating to the horse or mule when they are not on the trail or in battle.
Carbine Socket marked by Metzer of Phila
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This is a Civil War period leather socket or "boot" for a carbine. It attaches to the cavalryman's saddle ring and acts as a insert-type holder for the muzzle of a carbine rifle. The trooper can thus pull his firearm quickly free from the boot while riding or pausing. It is marked on the end of the strap "E. Metzer Phila". These items were also used during the Indian Wars of late 1860's through 1880's.
1/9th Plate Ambrotype of : Plumed 2 Maine Cavalry ?
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This is a 1/9th plate ruby glass ambrotype that shows the look of a Union cavalryman. Note the ostrich feather plume in his slouch hat as well as the crossed sabers insignia embroidered thereupon. His expression of serious resolve belies the type of man who would swing a saber and wield a carbine as his rode a crazed steed into a wall of hurling lead & iron!
Saddle Shield
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A brass Union saddle shield which was nailed to the Pommel of Union horse saddles to indicate the size of the seat.
Picket Pin Holds Horses in Place
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This is a heavy forged-iron "picket pin" made by a Civil War blacksmith. It was driven into the ground and then the horse's rein or chain out through the loop end. This served to hold horses in place when cavalry were on the move and no railings or sturdy low tree limbs were available to tie their horses... Found in area of Chickamauga.
Confederate Spur part from Brandy Station
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