This device has been identified from existing saddles as an ornament mounted on the four corners of the leather saddle skirt. Several surviving saddles exhibit these insignia and are variously made of cast brass or pewter with three hooks soldered onto the reverse for inserting through the leather and folded over for attachment.

This example hails from noted Confederate collector John Ashworth's exemplary pieces. (John also owned one of the surviving rough-condition saddles illustrated in Steve Cox's published study of these pieces.) Examples, such as that shown in Charles Harris' book "Civil War Relics of the Western Campaigns," have been recovered from Texas cavalry sites in Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. This excellent specimen measures 2 1/2" x 2 3/8" and its decorative edging is hand-engraved. Found in a Texas camp near Jacksboro, Texas. This is accompanied by a letter signed by legendary relic hunter and collector Larry Hicklen.