AN EXTREMELY RARE EXAMPLE PATTERN OF THIS BLANKET!!!!! Only two specimens are known to exist, one located in the collection at the National Park Service museum here in Gettysburg and this newly found example shown here. First issued with the Mc CLELLAN SADDLE MODEL 1859 EQUIPMENT during the late era of the Dragoon/ Mounted Riflemen and Cavalry regiments. With the redesignated order issued by the Adjutant General’s Office of General Order # 55 dated August 10, 1861 which abolished the three separate mounted corps and consolidated them into one corps designated as Cavalry. Previously to this time frame, the Dragoon branch of service uniform corps facings were of an orange color, until gradually being replaced by the yellow color for Cavalry. The three inch wide, two horizontal and two vertical stripes woven into this blanket reflect that orange dragoon corps.

The following is taken from the description of the McClellan horse equipment’s, officially termed the Pattern of 1859 as taken from the 1861 ORDNANCE MANUAL:

Saddle-Blanket

To be of pure wool, close woven, of stout yarns of an indigo-blue color, with an orange borders 3 inches wide, 3 inches from the edge. The letters U.S., 6 inches high, of orange color, in the center of the blanket. Dimensions, 75 inches long, 67 inches wide. Weight, 3.1875; lbs.; allowance in weight, 0.1875 lbs.

This example, (while being well used) is still intact. The center US markings are of the regulation 6” in height and are of orange yarn stitched in a serifed pattern. The horizontal and vertical orange stripes are 3” in width and measure 3”from the edges. The current length and width is 72”in length by 62” in width. Bare in mind the discrepancy of a few lost inches are due to fraying and shrinkage on both ends. While the body color had originally been a deep indigo blue, but it now exhibits a faded bluish-gray in appearance, this is the result of oxidation and many washings that this blanket underwent in its lifetime in service. The attrition rate on these blankets must have been tremendous, as they were carried folded and placed beneath the saddle and directly on the horse’s back itself. Other worn and damages areas are mostly located on the left side border with a few scattered small holes.

THIS BLANKET IS TRULY A MUSEUM PIECE AND NEEDS TO BELONG IN AN ADVANCED COLLECTION!

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