Original Pair of Civil War Surgeons Medical Saddle Bags

Being offered is something you rarely find – it is a pair of Civil War Medical saddle bags. Each bag measures 7 ½” x 7” x 3 ½” and have two compartments to hold medical supplies. The top one is covered by the outer leather flap and the bottom one folds out.

Medical saddle bags were carried by surgeons in the field to hold a variety of medicines for the treatment of the sick and wounded. The saddle bags were made of leather and designed to carry smaller quantities than apothecary chests, making it easier for the surgeons to move about.

In “Pictorial Encyclopedia of Civil War Medical Instruments and Equipment” by Dr. Gordon Dammann, or some examples of saddle bags (see pictures). Overall, these are a nice solid sent of saddlebags; as expected for its age, there is some loss of leather on one of the outer flaps and a couple other minor spots. All the leather is still pliable, and the compartments open with no problem. This is a rare opportunity to obtain a desirable pair of medical saddlebags.