ALH Universal Pattern Saddles 1902 and 1912

[Thanatos]

G'day all,
A recent pick-up
Universal Pattern Saddles 1902 and 1912. The fixed tree 1912 is incomplete but the Swivel Tree 1912 has been reconditioned for use. These saddles are worth a small fortune in Australia at present due to the 100 year anniversary of WW1 last year. I was lucky to pick these up and purchased them in a full reenactors kit for a very good price.

UPS 1912 Swivel Tree



Issued to 6 Military District (Tasmania) May 1913. CGHF is the old Commonwealth Government Harness Factory which was in Melbourne Victoria and was burnt down in the 1920's.
One of the stirrups is Canadian manufactured I believe.

UPS 1902 Fixed Tree



An incomplete saddle but still a nice one. 8th ALH Regiment issued. It has had a chain link welded to the rear frame sometime in the past. Many of these saddles were used by farmers and the like after their military service and the chain link would have been attached to the saddle under these circumstances I believe.

Some ALH accruements which came in the lot.

Pattern 03 5 pouch bandolier



Belt Ammunition pouches



1918 British made Horseshoe pouch



1916 Canadian made Riding spurs



Australian Light Horse Troopers tended to replace the rowels with a sixpence.

The lot was put together in the early 1980's and also came with all the bridals and leather work (repro) a full not so good repro uniform, blankets, a good WW2 Australain Great Coat,a good WW2 Australian blue water bottle and others. All I need now is a Whaler (Australian horse breed used by ALH).
This gear is now very hard to obtain and sell's for crazy money.
I hope you enjoyed and thanks for looking.

All the best

Dave

[Thanatos]

Thought I may bump this thread to give the Aussie blokes a look.

Thanks all
Dave

[Horseymom]

Any idea where this saddle is from? I was told it was British made from 1918.

[rbminis]

Any idea where this saddle is from? I was told it was British made from 1918.

Hello and welcome to the forum!
Please be patient, someone with knowledge in this area will be along to help you.
Ralph.

[big ned]

Hi Horsey,

Looks like it's a modified cavalry saddle I think. Seem to have had a seat cushion added, for a lady perhaps?

Regards, Ned.

[Rob truscott]

Great to see Dave I got a fixed tree 02 saddle marked Walsall , 1915 . I posted it somewhere on the forum with lance and sword next to it. I haven't looked for Unit Marks ! Is ALH marks on the saddle flap front ? Also I always wondered who got the nine pouch cavalry bandolier ? Were these the ones on the horses neck and the five pouch worn by the man ? I was lucky to get a nine pouch bandolier which are very rare today .

[Rob truscott]

Here it is . 1915 dated and with capacity for 90 rounnds rather than 50 of the infantry version. Its hard to say if all the cavalry got them , It may well be that Yeomanry sometimes were issued with the Five pouch version that Artillerymen also wore.

[Thanatos]

Hi Rob,
The five pouch was issued to mounted (horse) Arty whilst the nine pouch were Cav. or LH. I believe. The 9 pouch was also worn around the horses neck. Yes mate the markings are on the felt caps (for want of a better term). A nice hard to find 9 pouch you have there. Well done mate.
I hope this is of some help cobber
Dave

[Thanatos]

Hi Horsymom,
Welcome to the forum

UP saddles were manufactured in most most major Commonwealth countries during the WW1 period. British, Australian, Canadian,Indian etc. This site may help you
Universal Pattern Saddle Research Website

Cheers
Dave