Historical information

This lance bucket could be attached to the stirrup iron quickly via the two straps and was for temporary issue to a troop for ceremonial occasions such as a vice regal escort, or Govt house guard when lances were carried.
It differs from a much more common bucket which fitted over the top if the stirrup iron. An elliptical hole allowed the stirrup leather to pass through thus securing it to the stirrup more securely than the two straps alone.
Lance buckets were used by the Squadron Sergeant Major and Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant of each Light Horse Squadron as they were the only ones to carry lances to assist them when they performed the duty of markers that the troops lined up on when on parade, or forming squadron-in-line, as they did for the charge at Beersheba.

Significance

Unusual piece of light horse saddlery.

Physical description

Leather lance bucket with two adjustable straps to attach it to a stirrup.