CIVIL WAR, M1859, ARTILLERY CURB BIT, SECOND PATTERN, J.L. HOWARD

The exact date of acceptance of this new pattern of Artillery Curb bit is unknown, but it is generally believed to have been concurrent with the introduction of the M1859 Cavalry Curb Bits. Departing from the earlier, straight branch designs of Artillery bits in use in the 1840’s and 1850’s, these models incorporated a stylized “S” profile. The graceful profile was enhanced further with a distinctive overlay of brass veneer or facing applied to the exterior surface of the branches. This curb bit has the addition of the stamped sheet brass bosses, bearing “U.S.” Each boss displays dents due to use. One Curb Chinook is missing.

This Artillery Curb Bit is marked with the makers name “J.L. Howard & Co.” under the bridle strap slot on the offside branch and the inspectors initials “D R”, are stamped in script letters within an oval, on the rear near side branch exterior.

James, L Howard & Co.

50-52 Asylum St., Hartford, Conn.

Artillery bits and brass buckles

Measurements:

• OAL: 8.25”
  
• OAW: 5.5”
  
• Mouth Piece: 5” between the check pieces
  
• Rein Rings: 1-3/8”
  
• Port Height: 1.5” 

Reference:

"Page 39, Bridle Bits of the American Military, 1776-1945, Kenneth L. McPheeters & R. Stephen Dorsey"

This will be shipped via United Parcel Service (UPS)

During the American Civil War (1861 - 1865) it is estimated that between 1,000,000 and 3,000,000 equines died, including horses, mules, donkeys and even confiscated children’s ponies. It is also estimated that the horse casualties at the Battle of Gettysburg alone, July 1 and July 3, 1863, exceeded 3,000. Diaries and letters of soldiers often mentioned the stench of dead steeds rising up from the fields of battle, and although thousands of horses were killed on the battlefield, disease and exhaustion were the major causes of death.

The Horse Artillery Brigade of the Army of the Potomac was a brigade of various batteries of horse artillery during the American Civil War.

Made up almost entirely of individual, company-strength batteries from the Regular Army's five artillery regiments, the Horse Artillery operated under the command umbrella of the Cavalry Corps. The Horse Artillery differed from other light artillery (also known as "mounted" artillery) in that each member of the unit traveled on his own horse, rather than the traditional light artillery practice of "drivers" riding horses pulling the guns, while the cannoneers rode on the limbers and caissons. Ordinarily, though, the cannoneers traveled on foot behind their respective guns. But, with each man on his own horse, the unit could travel faster and more efficiently. It was the brainchild of former artillery captain and Brig. Gen. William Farquhar Barry, Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac, in 1861. With such a large percentage of the U.S. Horse Artillery being artillery batteries from the regular U.S. Army, it developed a superb reputation for military efficiency, accuracy of fire, and command presence in the field and in battle. These mobile artillery units were typically equipped with 3-inch Ordnance rifles, known for their reliability and accuracy.

Originally under the direct command of Lt. Col. (and future Brigadier General) William Hays, and later under the two-brigade command of captains James Madison Robertson and John C. Tidball, the Horse Artillery served with distinction during most of the major engagements in the Eastern Theater. Tidball's brigade later was commanded by Captain Dunbar R. Ransom.

It is notable that each of these men - Barry, Hays, Robertson, and Tidball - came from the officers corps of the 2nd Regiment of Artillery. One of their chief champions, Henry Jackson Hunt, commanded the Reserve Artillery in the Army of the Potomac, and was also an officer of the 2nd U.S. Artillery.

This will be shipped via United Parcel Service, full insurance, adult signature upon delivery.