Antique Child's Leather Batwing Chaps — Working Cowboy

A pair of antique child's working cowboy chaps in the batwing configuration — wide open-back panels fastened at the thigh, built for range work rather than show. Constructed from heavy leather with a saddle-stitched perimeter running the full length of both legs, the interior carries a wool batting lining for cold-weather warmth, a practical field configuration seen on working gear throughout the high-altitude Southwest. No maker's marks, tooling, fringe, or conchos are present — plainsman gear, utilitarian and unadorned. Period iron hardware at the yoke and leather lace ties at the thighs and hem complete the original configuration.

The orange batting interior visible against the deeply patinated leather makes for a striking visual contrast that displays and photographs well — a strong candidate for shadow box or wall mounting.

CONDITION Fair, as shown. The exterior leather panels are structurally intact with heavy age patina, surface darkening, and dried hide throughout, but no active delamination or significant structural tears. The interior wool batting lining is severely deteriorated — large sections have disintegrated, remaining material is fragile and actively shedding. Metal hardware is heavily corroded.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Overall: 22½" × 19"
• Construction: Hand-stitched heavy leather; wool batting interior
• Closure: Leather lace ties at thigh; period iron hardware at yoke
• Style: Batwing (open-back) configuration; child's size
• Maker's Marks: None observed