Doctor’s Saddlebags

Physicians often made house calls to care for their patients. Since many physicians traveled by horseback, these saddlebags allowed doctors to transport their medicines and equipment safely. The saddlebags are made of leather and could be put over the back of a horse or over the doctor’s shoulder.

 

Bibliographic Information:

Saddlebag, 19th Century, leather, metal, H: 21 1/4 x W: 9 x D: 3 3/8 in. The Farmers’ Museum, Cooperstown, New York, Gift of Dr. Ralph F. Traver, F0009.1965.