Civil War Cavalryman’s Grooming Curry Comb, dug at Brandy Station Battlefield

This is another piece which I recently acquired; it is an excavated Civil War Curry Comb.  It measures 8 ¾” x 5 ½” – as expected for being dug, the wooden handle is long gone. They were used by Union and Confederate cavalrymen. This one was recovered at the famous cavalry battle at Brandy Station, Virginia.

During the Civil War the grooming of a soldiers horse was an important part of their everyday care – often done before taking care of themselves. Regular grooming helps to ensure the horse is healthy and comfortable. At a minimum, horses are generally groomed in the morning and usually groomed and cleaned up again at night.

Using a curry comb on a horse improved the health of the skin and coat which decreases the chance of various health problems such as thrush, scratches and other skin problems. This cleansing was necessary, so chafing did not occur under areas of tack. It also formed a relationship between the horse and the cavalryman which could carry over to other handling duties and riding.

The Battle of Brandy Station was the largest predominantly cavalry engagement of the Civil War, as well as the largest ever to take place on American soil. It was fought on June 9, 1863, around Brandy Station, Virginia, at the beginning of the Gettysburg Campaign. The Union cavalry under Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton went up against Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart's Confederate cavalry.

Pleasonton launched a surprise dawn attack on Stuart an after an all-day fight in which fortunes changed repeatedly, the Federals retired without discovering Gen. Robert E. Lee's infantry camped near Culpeper. This battle marked the end of the Confederate cavalry's dominance in the East. From this point in the war, the Federal cavalry gained strength and confidence.

This unique tool remains in nice dug condition, no chipping or flaking. A light coat of varnish was applied for preservation. This would go great in any Cavalry collection or general Civil War collection.