BACKGROUND: Although considered highly mobilized for its time the German army still utilized a great number of horses through-out WWII with the average infantry division containing roughly five thousand horses. In 1939 the German army also had fifteen, primarily horse-mounted, Cavalry regiments that were mainly tasked with tactical reconnaissance. Even though most of the Cavalry units were mechanized by 1940 they still utilized a large number of horses through-out the war. By 1943 the Germans were experiencing fuel and vehicle shortages which resulted in an increase in the number of horses utilized in the field. One of the most basic items required for the horses were horseshoes and all mounted personnel were equipped with a specialized pair of saddlebags with one being reserved specifically for horse equipment including two spare horseshoes, a calkin (horseshoe) spanner wrench, sixteen horseshoe nails and other necessary equipment. Although each division, excluding Panzer and motorized divisions, were appointed a veterinarian company that were responsible for caring for horses, pack mules, dogs and even carrier pigeons there were also specially trained, individual EM/NCO Hufbeschlagpersonal, (Farrier's), personnel who were responsible for the care of horse’s hoofs and combined the basic skills of a blacksmith and a veterinarian. The primary function of the Farrier's was the balanced trimming of horse’s hoofs and the fitting of steel horseshoes. As a result Farrier's were outfitted with special equipment that included specific hoof knives and horseshoes. Due to the large numbers of horses utilized hoof care was of the utmost importance to maintain mobility.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Four standard issue, "U" shaped, blued, drop forged steel construction horseshoes. The horseshoes are each roughly, 7" long, 5 3/4" wide at their widest point and roughly, 1/2" thick. The forward end of each horseshoe has a small, brazed on, raised securing tab and the body’s have twelve small, evenly spaced, punched, rectangular nail holes and an additional four, evenly spaced, screw threaded, circular holes designed for attaching them to the hooves. Both sides of all four horseshoes are well marked with the impressed marking, "V8", presumably indicating the size and one side of each has the impressed manufacturer’s three letter code and date that appears to be, "hau 1944", indicating manufacture by Metall und Lackierwaren A.-G. of Ludwigsburg in 1944. The horseshoes only retain about 20% of their original bluing and show moderate to heavy surface spotting.

GRADE **3/4                             PRICE $195.00