Original Custer period cavalry horse gear. The 1872 pattern girth used linen webbing woven with blue and yellow stripes running lengthwise. Introduced as part of the Horse Equipments in Ordnance Memoranda No. 13, these girths were produced in limited numbers and replaced by the 1874 pattern. The period was so active for cavalry that most probably saw active use and some may still have been among equipment in the field at the time of the Little Big Horn. This one is in very good condition, showing use, but not abuse. The webbing colors have faded somewhat, as is to be expected. The iron shows some of its japanning, but does have some crusty rust and pitting on the D-ring and the buckle beneath it. Still, some oil and TLC with probably loosen up the tongues, which are stiff, and the leather is in good shape with no finish loss and just some wrinkling. A piece of string is visible in my photos running through the leather loop holding the D-ring- this is can be cut off. A collector simply put it on to hang up the girth in his display.
Measures 23 inches long and 5 5/8 inches wide. I see no markings.
A scarce piece of Indian War cavalry gear.
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