Name/TitleLeather Leggings

About this objectBrown leather cylindrical shaped leggings with two leather straps for fastening. One strap is attached to the lower edge of the interior with a press stud. This crosses over the lower exterior and passes through a leather loop at the front. The strap then wraps around the legging and passes through a second leather loop at the front. This strap, along with a shorter strap that is sewn into the top of the gaiter, passes through a buckle and is tucked under two final leather loops. Interior length of gaiter is stamped with manufacturer's name, J Oakman. The top of gaiter also carries a small metal hook, presumably to hold layers together firmly.
These leggings were stored in the Carroll Collection together with a Mounted Police jacket and jodhpurs.
A detachment of Mounted Police, commonly known as troopers, was formed in 1826 and based at Wallis Plains, today known as Maitland. This was only the second detachment deployed in colonial New South Wales, the first being at Bathurst in 1825.
Leggings are worn above the boot and although usually associated with the WWI Light Horse Brigade and the Mounted Police they were also favoured by Diggers on the Kokoda Track for protection of the lower legs.

MakerJ Oakman 194C

Maker RoleManufacturer

Date Madeunknown

PeriodEarly 20th century

Place NotesPattern 1903

Number in Series2

Medium and MaterialsOrganic: Leather with metal fasteners

Subject and Association Keywordsequine

Subject and Association KeywordsArmy

Subject and Association KeywordsMounted Police

Subject and Association KeywordsUniform

Subject and Association DescriptionLeather Leggings were found with mounted police uniform dated 1926 although this does not signify that the leggings were of the same period.

Named CollectionCarroll Family Collection

Credit LineAll items from the Carroll Collection to be acknowledged when on display

Object TypeUniform

Object numberTMA2021.00001.2

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