An original matched pair of WW1 U.S. Army horse grooming brushes, manufactured by Herbert Brush Mfg. Co. and dated 1918. Both brushes retain their large embossed “US” ownership markings and represent the type of equipment used to care for the horses that remained vital to military transport, cavalry and artillery units during the First World War.

Constructed with heavy leather backs, hand straps and dense natural bristles, these brushes were designed for the daily grooming and maintenance of military horses. Despite the increasing mechanisation of warfare, horses continued to play a crucial role throughout WW1, serving with cavalry formations, artillery batteries, transport units and remount depots. Equipment associated with military horses remains a fascinating and often overlooked area of collecting, offering a tangible link to the logistical backbone of the wartime army.

Both brushes are marked to Herbert Brush Mfg. Co. and carry a clear 1918 date stamp (though these were a challenge to photograph!), making them firmly attributable to the WW1 period. Surviving military horse equipment is considerably less commonly encountered than many other forms of military kit, and matched pairs such as this are increasingly difficult to find over a century after they were manufactured.

The brushes remain in very good condition for their age. Both retain their original leather hand straps, the embossed US markings remain clearly visible, and the bristles are still remarkably full. There is expected age-related wear and surface marking consistent with genuine military use and over one hundred years of age, but overall they present extremely well and make an attractive display piece for collectors of WW1 U.S. Army, cavalry, transport or horse-related militaria.

A scarce and visually appealing matched pair of dated WW1 U.S. military equipment.