Unknown horse bridle pre WW1?

[Phillip Brandt]

Can anyone identify this bridle?

I have looked through several reference books and online, but can't put a model number to it. It almost looks like some kind of hybrid, the upper portion appears to be the same as a M1909, but the straps to the bit aren't the same. This makes me wonder if it is correct at all. I have been unable to find any good sources for identifying bridles and halters. The fact of the matter is I can find more information on mess kits and shaving gear. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[Illinigander]

Try  "The Horse Soldier" vol. III by Randy Steffen, or "The American Military Saddle 1776-1945" by Dorsey & McPheeters.

illinigander

[Phillip Brandt]

Thanks for responding. I have that series, this thing really looks like it I'd a 1909 head piece with lower straps from a 1906 experimental. It doesn't have the large flat buckels of the 1909, but it doesn't have enough staps to be a 1906. Here's the thing, that photo was online and I just bought one like it on ebay. The other thing is it has US rosettes while the one I bought has Eagle rosettes. 

Thanks again I'll keep digging. 

[Illinigander]

Are the eagle rosettes the same eagle that is on  the 1902 seal?  I think the eagles are WW1 period while the US ones are earlier(?)

illinigander

[Phillip Brandt]

The one I bought has WW1 rosettes. Again I can't find information on when the different styles were being used, but I have looked through all for volumes of the The Horse Soldier and none of the earlier bridles with the US rosettes match this one or mine.

Thanks again 

[Cavdoc83]

This bridle is a "one off", and may very well be put together.  The closest that it comes to is the experimental M1906, just lacking the bridoon bridle portion. Problem with that is that the throatlatch looks beefier than the 1/2" specification. Is the browband "padded", that is, made of two pieces stitched together? That would also be a non-military construction technique.  The US rosettes were usually used on mule bridles, especially in the 20th century.  

 

[Phillip Brandt]

Thanks for responding. It looked to me like someone cobbled this together. I agree it resembles a M1906. I thought it looked like a M1909 with M1906 straps on it. It's not one of a kind I bought one on ebay that looks to be the same except it has Eagle rosettes. 

I think you have confirmed my belief this is some kind non standard bridle. 

Thank you for input I greatly appreciate it. 

[Phillip Brandt]

These are the photos from ebay. I think this was assembled from mixed parts too.