Excavated Cavalry Curry Comb – Stafford County, Virginia

Description

Excavated Cavalry Curry Comb – Stafford County, Virginia

 

A relic of unmistakable Civil War cavalry service, this excavated iron curry comb was recovered from a cavalry encampment site in Stafford County, Virginia—an area heavily occupied by Union mounted forces during the winter campaigns of 1862–1863. Used daily in the care and maintenance of horses, the curry comb was an essential tool in the mounted soldier’s kit, critical for grooming, cleaning, and ensuring the health of his mount.

 

This example survives in a deeply patinated, excavated state, with the iron body exhibiting expected corrosion consistent with long-term burial. The comb retains its recognizable form, including the ribbed construction and remnants of the original fastening points. Despite its condition, the piece presents well as a display relic, clearly identifiable and evocative of its utilitarian purpose in camp life.

 

Artifacts of cavalry use—particularly those tied to specific encampment regions such as Stafford County—offer a tangible connection to the immense logistical effort behind mounted operations. This piece speaks directly to the daily routine of soldiers and the indispensable role of horses in Civil War military operations.

 

A scarce and honest relic from a well-documented theater of war, ideal for collectors focused on cavalry material or excavated camp artifacts.

 

Inventory Number: REL 148