Civil War leather Cavalry Carbine Socket

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Civil War leather Cavalry Carbine Socket, (a.k.a. thimble or boot), used by Federal cavalrymen during the war. This small (2 ¾” high, with a 2 ½” diameter) flared and cylindrical accouterment of cavalry equipment was strapped to the cavalry saddle in such a position that the carbine barrel would easily slip, barrel down, into the socket and support the carbine (see pictures).

Socket would also keep the carbine from flopping about and beating the horse’s flank while the mounted trooper was riding. Constructed of two, double-layered pieces of heavy black harness leather with the pieces folded to meet in a strongly stitched seam. The socket flares out at the top and bottom. The closure strap is strong black bridle leather and has a large, japanned-iron harness buckle attached. Strap is stitched and riveted to the boot body. No maker markings visible. This un-marked, leather carbine socket is a fine specimen of cavalry horse equipment and is perfect for display in any U.S. cavalry or general Civil War collection.