Small strap on army bridle.

[Phillip Brandt]

Well now that I've invested a great deal in reference material, I can't find any explanation for the small strap on of the crown pieces of some bridles both the M1902 and M1909 models. I'm guessing this information is in one of my books, but it's such a small item I've over looked it. Any ideas or suggestions would be helpful. 

Thanks so much.

 

[Cavdoc83]

What you have is an M1913 Artillery Bridle.  The strap is supposed to go around the crown strap of the halter.  Kind of a handy addition, and I'm surprised that they didn't modify the M1909 Cavalry bridle in that way.

[Phillip Brandt]

First and fore most thanks for responding and the information. This subject is proving to be very confusing. I'm curious where the designation M1913 comes from. This is not the first time I've heard of it, but i can't find any documentation on it. What I can find is the M1902 bridle which appears to be the same thing. I spoke with Ken McPheeters co-author of The American Military Saddle and he was unfamiliar with it.

Once again thanks for the information. 

 

[Cavdoc83]

Check out the American Cavalry Blueprint Library at the Longriders Guild webpage.  There is lots of useful info there, to include detailed drawings of these bridles, as well as the associated reins and straps that go with them.  http://www.lrgaf.org/articles/blueprints.htm

 

[Phillip Brandt]

Once again thank you. This is a very confusing part of the equipment. Maybe I can finally get my head around it.

[Cavdoc83]

The thing that always makes these bridles, as well as other American Artillery harness, stand out to me from a distance is the use of Conway buckles.  The Cavalry bridles all used flat center-bar buckles.

 

[Phillip Brandt]

I'll try keep that in mind as I move forward. Thanks 

[Phillip Brandt]

Does this require some kind specific software, I can't open the files

[Cavdoc83]

I believe that they are .tif files. I open them using Windows Photo Viewer.

[Phillip Brandt]

Ok thanks, I'll try that.

[Phillip Brandt]

Thank you these Manufacturing prints are exactly what I need. They not only help in identifying these parts, but remaking them as well.I wish they went back a little further, but I will take what I can get.