Apache Scouts Dispatch Bag Circa 1880

This Apache army scouts bag saw service in the Apache wars of the 1880's in Southern Arizona and was fashioned from scavenged pieces of a set of US Cavalry McClellan saddle bags. The front flap features the "US Brand" which still exists on the leather under the left concho. The bags native manufacture prominently features the early coin silver 1st phase conchos and over 50 1/4" stamped and domed sterling button spots. Tightly strung to the front flap with a thin thread of twisted native brain tanned deer hide. (One spot appears missing at center>) Shoulder strap made from the saddles bridle assembly features 56 different hand hammered Navajo made original buttons and conchos. The protruding terminals of that strap are finished with a large series of repoussed buttons in a sunburst pattern the largest of which is over l l/4" in diameter. Both ends of the strap are capped with the classic Navajo bridle tip silver ornament that was also featured on occasion on plains Indian women's belt drops and are a truly magnificent finish to the strap assembly. The buttons on the strap are attached by Native tanned leather and the Native sewing of the bag (other than the original military sewing) proved to be of stout linen thread. All buckles are original to the McClellan saddle bags as are the straps. Obtained with a government issued Springfield Calvary carbine from the 1870"s, which is offered for sale separately. This is truly a one of a kind artifact from a vanished era of our countries history. All conchos and buttons are tested sterling and coin silver.