Original Civil War Artillery Limber Pole Pad (SOLD)

This is another great piece being offered out of the artillery collection I recently acquired; it is an original leather Artillery Pole Pad. It is thick leather with an inner metal rim and has a diameter of 4 ¼” x 4 ¾” high. These padded leather covers were placed on the end of the artillery carriage pole to prevent injury to the lead horses (see sketch). The pole-pad was taken off the pole and stored when the carriage was not in use. Often referred to as a limber pole-pad.

This pad is in very nice condition, and still has the original iron pin (often missing). Although faint, the initials of the inspector is embossed in the leather “A.R.S” or “A.B.S.”. This is not a surplus piece but one that actually went through the war. This is evidenced by the condition which shows worn areas from extended use. I show one of these pole pads in my book “Civil War Artillery – A Pictorial Introduction”. This is a very difficult artillery item to find, rarely do they show up.