U.S. ARMY, M1876 CONTRACT MOUNTED TROOPERS CAVALRY BOOTS, M1885 SPURS AND M1902 SPUR STRAPS

This pair of U.S. Army Pattern 1876 Boots, worn by the mounted men during the height of the Indian War period, was found with the pair of Model 1885 Spurs and Model 1902 Spur Straps in place.  

This set presents as having been together forever, as if the trooper just kicked them off at the end of the day.  And, we suspect that is exactly what happened.  He finished his final enlistment, and leaving his spurs in place, packed the boots away.  This pair was found in Louisville, Kentucky. 

The presence of the Model 1885 Spurs mounted on these boots with the Model 1902 Spur Straps is a considerable added value.  Matched pairs of Model 1885 Spurs are anything but common, and Model 1902 Spur Straps are rare in their own right.  To find them in place, obviously original to the period of use of the boots, is a coup of particular note for the Indian Wars collector.

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 in the front and 13 ½ in the back.

The leather on these boots is very strong with no weak points, remains live and supple, and retains much of the original waxed finish. 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.   

Soldiers’ footwear is generally not something that survived his period of service, or his post-military life, in great numbers – in most cases, it was simply too utilitarian to be saved.   Comparatively little US Army 19th Century footwear survives today and even fewer examples of mounted soldier’s boots in any condition are available for purchase by the private collector.  While obviously worn by a cavalry trooper, these Pattern 1876 Boots present as a prime example of the footwear that bore the Frontier Army across the American West on any of the famous campaigns during the height of the Indian Wars.  That this pair of boots survives today in the condition they do is nothing short of remarkable, and the presence of the original spurs and straps make them a special pair indeed.  Capturing all of the character of the frontier soldier who wore them, this pair of boots will be a historic addition to your Indian War Cavalry display.

Foam pads inserted into these boots to help maintain the shape. 

We could not find a size marking. Appear to be a size 9.

These boots will be shipped via UPS (United Parcel Service)

International Buyers Please Note: We do not ship outside of the United States! No Exceptions. In addition, we will not ship to third party shippers or any other international shipping hubs such as International Shipping (EIS), EIS 110 INTERNATIONALE BLVD, GLENDALE HEIGHTS IL 60139-2080. If you place a bid, or make a purchase, we will cancel your bid, and or cancel your purchase! If you wish to make a purchase, you will have to find someone located within the Unites States to make the purchase for you. They would be responsible to send the package to you.