Description:

Very rare pair of US Army Pattern 1876 Boots, worn by the mounted enlisted men during the height of the Indian War period, as found with a pair of Model 1872 spurs and Model 1859 spur straps in place. This set presents as having been matched forever, and having been packed away after their last day of service. They are consigned by a collector in central Arizona. The presence of the Model 1872 Spurs mounted on these boots with the Model 1859 Spur Straps is a valuable addition, and matched pairs of these spurs are rare, as are the 1859 straps. All taken together, this a fine and rare original ensemble for the Indian Wars collector. The Model 1872 Spurs are the correct model for wear with the 1876 Boot, being the spur issued from 1872 until the adoption of the Model 1885 Spurs. The use of the Model 1859 Spur Straps is also correct, again a holdover from the Civil War and something that continued in use until the Model 1885 spur straps were introduced with the new spurs. After only four years in service, the design of the Pattern 1872 boot was reviewed by the 1876 Uniform Board and minor changes to the pattern were ordered. In response to requests from the soldiers who wore them, the boot front was increased from 15" to 15 ½" high, and the circumference of the leg of the boot was increased to more readily accommodate the trouser leg inside the boot top. Compared side by each, the leg of the Pattern 1876 Boot is noticeably larger than that of the Pattern 1872 Boot. Although the tops of these boots have relaxed due to being worn, and the leather has formed the characteristic "wrinkles" around the ankle, when the leather is expanded to its full height, the boot fronts measure the proper 15 ½" high. The boots are made with a one piece front and one piece back, sewn along the sides with a reinforcing welt to protect the stitches. The boots are in excellent condition, showing minimal wear to the heels and old half-soles attached. Uppers are free from any holes, cracks, splits, open seams or other damage and significant wear. Both boots are complete with all components to include both sets of boot pulls. Comparatively little US Army frontier footwear survives today and even fewer examples of mounted soldier’s boots in any condition are available. Newspaper within the boots dates to 1972! A rare find!

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February 18, 2019 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000