Original U.S. Civil War Cavalry Carbine Leather Socket “Thimble” by E. Metzger of Philadelphia

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of a Civil War period Cavalry Carbine Leather Socket, also known as a “Thimble”. The thimble is in very good condition given the age. This would normally be seen with a sling swivel. Carbine sling swivels attached to the swivel ring on the carbine and to the leather strap worn over the shoulder. This prevented the carbine from being dropped or lost.

The thimble has heavy wear to the leather with some chipping of the finish. The end of the strap is stamped E. METZGER / PHILA. These were buckled to the D-ring on the lower right side of the saddle. When riding, the trooper carried his carbine suspended from the carbine sling over his shoulder with the barrel pointing down and thrust through the thimble to keep it from swinging wildly around while the horse was in motion. The leather is worn, dry and cracked but is in otherwise very good display condition.

A great thimble, ready for further research and display.