Featured in this lot is a Vintage Yellowstone National Park Horse Pannier, circa 1916. For the decade after 1872 when Yellowstone National Park was established, the park was under serious threat from those who would exploit, rather than protect, its resources; poachers, souvenir hunters, developers. Civilian superintendents were hired to preserve and protect this land from 1872 through 1886 but they weren't enough. Under the Sundry Civil Act of 1883, the US Army Cavalry from Fort Custer, Montana Territory was sent into Yellowstone Park. Along with housing, stables were built. At the height of the Army's presence in Yellowstone, there were 324 soldiers stationed there. By 1916, the National Park Service was established and the US Army moved out. The pannier were used by Yellowstone National Park Rangers and set on horses to carry supplies and other needs throughout the park. The pannier shows a mostly metal and wood construction. The buckles and straps are made of canvas and metal components. A wood boads are set on the bottom of the pannier and is reinforced with metal. The bottom is designed with a cotter pin fastener to open when needed as a cleanout. The letters "NPS" (National Park Service) and "CORRALS"are painted on the front face, the number 5 is painted on each side face. This heavy duty aluminum pannier is in amazingly preserved condition for its age. The aluminum faces exhibit scratches and dents as might be expected from regular use, a leather strap on the bottom is torn from age, oxidation exhibited on iron metal buckles, intact canvas straps exhibit fraying. A wonderful piece of early Yellowstone National Park history. Measures 12.75"W x 24"L x 15.25"D, weight 20lb, 12oz.

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