Artillery drivers were responsible for the horse on which they rode and the “off” horse next to them on their right in the six-horse teams drawing the limbers, guns, and caissons. This is a good example of the regulation valise in which the driver was permitted to keep his personal items and which would be attached to the smaller “valise saddle” on his off horse. This is the regulation pattern made of black bridle leather, cylindrical, with a flat bottom, and fitted with an interior and exterior flap. The interior flap is pierced for iron staples through which a narrow strap would pass and buckle I place, holding it closed. The outer flap is fitted with three long billets that would be fastened by three buckles along the lower front of the valise. The underside is fitted with two loops riveted and sewn in place through which straps would pass to secure it to the saddle. The ends are fitted with leather handles.

The condition is good. These were handy, useful, and frequently used up after the war in civilian life. One handle is broken in the middle, but could be repaired. The one on the other end is good. The three long leather fastening straps on the exterior are there and full length, though two show stitched repairs where they come out through the flap (a natural point of bending.) The interior fastening strap and buckle are in place and complete. The cotton ticking lining is in place, both inside the body where it is glued down and on the underside of the flap where it forms a pocket. The exterior of the body and the flap show good color, with some rubbing on the flat underside. The flap shows crackling to the finish overall with some flaking on the edges, ends, and hinges from flexing, but an old black polish tones down any contrast. The markings on the ends of the valise are very good: “U.S. / WATERVLIET / ARSENAL” with a smaller underneath that appears to read “L.T. PRIME,” likely an inspector or the leatherworker.

This would help complete a valise saddle, but would also fit display of the gear typically carried by members of light artillery battery. George Woodbridge has a nice pen and ink drawing of a prewar artillery driver, cradling a saddle with valise, along with much of his gun crew’s gear laid out in front of him on page 374 of Todd’s American Military Equipage. [sr] [ph:m]

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