Rifle bucket : Light Horse units

Standard issue blocked brown leather rifle bucket for attachment to the Pattern 1912 UP saddle. Bucket is complete with a leather slide steadying fitting, half way down the bucket, to attach it to the surcingle of the saddle, and a leather strap with brass buckle at the top of the bucket which attaches it to the saddle tree. Strap only is stamped with a broad arrow and manufacturer's details 'BLACKMAN LEATHER GOODS LTD. 175 BERMONDSEY ST S.E.1 1940'.

Rifle buckets were used by British and Commonwealth mounted troops from the First World War to around 1941. In the Australian Light Horse units their use did not become common until the end of the First World War. Prior to this rifles were carried slung across the rider's back.