WW1 Officers Pattern Riding Saddle c/w stand

This type of rifle bucket was in use by the 4th Light Horse Regiment AIF in 1918. It was introduced into service following the Charge at Beersheba (Palestine, Oct. 31 1917) which lead to the introduction of the Cavalry sword to the Light Horse Brigades of the 1st AIF. The use of the cavalry sword required the riders arms to be free and this caused the relocation of the rifle from being slung on the rider's shoulder or carried in his right hand to being carried by the saddle. The Sword and the Rifle Bucket continued in use after WW1 by the 4th Corangamite Light Horse, the 17th Prince of Wales Light Horse Regiment and the 19th Yarrowee Light Horse Regiments in the 1920's and 1930's and possibly as late as 1941/42 prior to mechanisation and the demise of the use of the horse in combat. This item was designed to allow the rifle to be carried secured to the saddle and allow the right arm to be free to use the sword in combat. This Rifle bucket has had the mid strap replaced in service as evidenced by the use of 'black waxed, hand made thread', which was the type of stitching used by the Army on all saddlery and harness. On the rifle bucket, the makers name is usually stamped on this strap and the in service replacement of the strap explains why the maker's name is not present. The reinforcing leather at the lower edge of the bucket is unusual and judging by the colour of the leather it was added to the bucket by the regimental saddler as a repair probably at the same time as the mid section strap.None sightedrifle bucket, light horse, saddlery