Civil War Medical Saddlebags Identified to Dr. Smyser

$850.00

1 in stock

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SKU: IDE 324 Categories: , , ,

Description

Civil War Medical Saddlebags Identified to Dr. Smyser

 

Scarce pair of early Civil War medical saddlebags, an iconic and essential piece of field equipment carried by mounted surgeons and medical stewards during the opening years of the conflict. Constructed of heavy black bridle leather over rigid interiors, the bags retain their classic double-compartment form with broad central saddle cover, original buckled closure straps, and carrying attachments intact.

 

These saddlebags were designed to transport the surgeon’s indispensable instruments, medicines, bandages, and emergency supplies directly onto the battlefield, allowing mounted medical personnel to move rapidly between field hospitals, dressing stations, and active combat zones. Their rugged construction reflects the hard service demanded during the war, while the surviving black finish, aged crazing to the leather, and untouched patina give the set exceptional authenticity and character.

 

Accompanying the saddlebags is an old collector identification tag noting that they came from the “Sherrick Family Farm,” later associated with the Smyser family of Wooster, Ohio, and acquired in 1991. While the precise wartime history has been lost to time, the bags themselves remain a strong and evocative survivor of Civil War field medicine.

 

Original Civil War medical saddlebags are increasingly difficult to locate, particularly complete examples retaining strong form, untouched surfaces, and period character. An impressive display piece representing the harsh realities of wartime medical service in the field.

 

Of historic note Dr. Smyser was a witness to a famous murder in his hometown: Based on historical records, the fatal stabbing of John Tormie occurred on October 2, 1879 (not 1871), at the Wayne County Fairgrounds near Wooster, Ohio. Tormie was murdered during a brawl with 5 individuals after supervising a game of chance, leading to the first judicial hanging in Wayne County history.

 

Inventory Number: IDE 324

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A worn, old-fashioned leather satchel with an open flap and two buckle straps in front, showing visible creases and signs of age.
A pair of old, worn leather saddlebags connected by a strap, with buckled flaps and visible signs of aging.
A worn, old-fashioned leather satchel with an open flap and two buckle straps in front, showing visible creases and signs of age.
A pair of old, worn leather saddlebags with a large central strap and buckle closures, showing visible signs of age and use.
A pair of old, rectangular leather saddlebags connected by a wide strap, showing signs of wear and age.
A worn, dark leather satchel with a flap open, exposing the interior; features a long strap and visible wear on the surface.
A pair of old, worn leather saddle bags connected by a wide strap, designed to be draped over an animal or shoulder.
A worn, vintage leather neck guard with two padded sides and an attached strap, viewed from above against a white background.
A worn, dark brown leather belt with an attached rectangular pouch and strap, shown against a plain white background.
A close-up view of a worn, old leather belt pouch, showing signs of heavy use and weathering.
A worn, brown leather saddle girth with two dark rectangular buckles and a strap, laid flat on a white background.
A worn, rectangular leather pouch with a flap, attached to a wide leather strap on a white background.
A close-up view of an old, weathered leather sheath or case with visible signs of wear and discoloration.
An old, worn leather satchel with an open flap and visible buckles, showing signs of use and age.
Red tag with handwritten note: “Early saddle bags from The Sherrick Family Farm, Smyser Rd., Wooster, Oh. $850.00, 7-26-1991, ELN620A.”.

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