Presented in this lot is an Antique US Cavalry Guidon Saddle Mount, circa 1870s-1880s. Features a wonderfully and professionally crafted thick molded leather with copper rivets. Historically referred to as a guidon socket, stirrup cup, or guidon boot, this is a specialized leather socket mounted onto a military saddle to support the heavy lance or staff of a unit's guidon flag while riding. Originally, during the Civil War and the Indian Wars, this critical piece of cavalry field gear allowed the designated guidon bearer to secure the flag pole on long marches across the plains or into active combat, keeping their hands relatively free to guide the horse. In the U.S. Cavalry, individual companies or troops carried swallow-tailed flags called guidons. The guidon bearer rode alongside the company commander, typically on a distinctively light-colored horse so the entire unit could easily spot their alignment marker in the chaos of battle. In amazingly well preserved condition, this guidon cup displays well worn copper rivet reinforced harness leather rigging, deep patina observed on leather and metal hardware, scuffing noted from regular and normal use. Cup measures 4" diameter mouth, 3.5" diameter base, 10.5"L32.25"L including rigging. Collective weight is 1lb, 12oz.