Description
You are bidding on a BEAUTIFUL set of WW1 US Army Leather Cavalry Riding Gaiters!
Gaiters are garments worn over the shoe and bottom of the pant or trouser leg and used primarily as personal protective equipment, in particular against snakebites. Originally, gaiters were made of leather or canvas, gaiters for use on horseback continue to be made of leather. They are made to cover the gap between the pants and boots, rising to just below the knee, and usually have drawcords for tightening. Wearing gaiters, while preventing most snake bites, does not provide complete protection.
Beginning in 1700, most infantry in European armies adopted long linen gaiters, or spatterdashes, as a protective leg covering to be worn over the woolen stockings that were a common feature in both military and civilian dress. By the 1770s military gaiters were often shortened to mid-calf length (“half-gaiters”) for convenience in the field.
In army parlance, a gaiter covers leg and bootlacing; a legging covers only the leg. In RAF parlance, gaiter includes leggings. The American Army during World War I and World War II had leggings, which were gaiters. Above the knee spatterdashes were cotton or canvas, as were many gaiters of varying lengths thereafter. Leather gaiters were rare in military usage, though sometimes a calf-length cotton gaiter had leather kneecaps added. Leggings, however, were very often made of leather, but also canvas.
During the 19th century gaiters for riding typically were known as riding gaiters, distinguishing them from the other gaiters that were in general use. Today, half chaps are a type of gaiter worn by equestrians. Most forms fit over the calf. These are intended to protect the rider’s leg from wear by the stirrup leathers and other saddle parts. Modern styles usually have a zipper or hook and loop fasteners on the outside of the leg.
Made of leather, brass, and steel, this set of Riding Gaiters are in VERY NICET used condition! Some marks, stains, and wear, due to the age, but nothing that detracts. Stamps on the inside indicate that this is a matching set. Would make a FANTASTIC addition to any collection or display!
