Civil War Model 1859 McClellan Saddle Bags

This is a set of saddle bags designed as part of the Model 1859 McClellan saddle system. Each bag measures approximately 10” x 11”. The leather is still supple and pliable and there is very little crazing, flaking or loss of leather, and all stitching is tight and unbroken. It also has both locking straps that would pass through the brackets on the rear of the saddle.

The inner pockets and seams are a little stiff but in nice condition. Interior pocket laces are present on one side but not the other. As seen in the pictures, the leather straps are worn going through the buckles, but still intact. In the Gettysburg NPS Museum collection, there is a set of these saddle bags that were found on the battlefield. They belonged to Captain Carter of the 3^rd Virginia Regiment (see pictures).

Overall, this is an excellent set of early McClellan Civil War saddlebags that would dress up any cavalry collection or just about any Civil War collection. Over the years I’ve had several sets of these saddle bags, but this is by far the nicest I had to offer.