Featured in this lot is this US Cavalry Civil War, circa 1860-1865, hoof branding iron set. This set consists of seven irons with branding segments of: traditional bar, H, 4, two 5's, 7, and 8. During the Civil War, more than 7 million horse and mules were in service. It became necessary to have an established system of identification for each animal, so that records could be maintained. Officers would also sell their horses, so it become custom for the officer to have to bring the horse's foot back to prove that it was incapable of further service. The condition of these hoof branding irons is good with some heavy oxidation adorning the branding irons but otherwise shows good overall condition. The measurements of these branding irons range from 18 3/4" x 2" x 1" to 21" x 2 1/2" x 1 1/2.