Hello,
I have come across some interesting info regarding this saddle. It is on loan in New Orleans thru June, 2005 at the Jackson Barracks Military Museum on St. Claude.

Beauregard ordered a custom saddle made in Paris, France in 1862. The saddle was made of pigskin and the breast strap and bridle had the State Seal of Louisiana, a mother pelican feeding her young, as well as several other iconic images of Louisiana. During transport, the saddle was captured by the Union blockade of the Miss. River, and auctioned as contraband. It was purchased by Union Colonel Charles Whelden, who used it for the remainder of the war. He was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, and when he died his widow donated it to the group's museum in Boston. Other members of this organization have included U.S. President's James Monroe, Chester Arthur, Calvin Coolidge and John F. Kennedy.

I plan on viewing this saddle today, but from the photo's I have seen, it looks to be in excellent condition to have been used in the war.
Terry