Mike J

Hey Bev, Just got a saddle in for repairs. Same makers mark on each fender. Number on the frog is 304, I double checked. Wish we knew his numbering system. Also brought in was a saddle with same tree and design but lacked maker stamps anywhere. Number on frog is 122, appears to be same builder, no way of knowing tho. Mike J

Looking for 3 pieces of Purple Zebra print hair on cowhide 6 inches by 24 inches, for a client who wants bronc halters made from it. Not exactly something I want to buy a whole hide for. I've checked with Tandy,Hide House, Zack White, and Springfield.

Check with Cary Schwarz Custom Saddles, Salmon, ID. He recently had one made in Idaho.

Do you still have the splitter for sale? What state/ country are you located in? Thank you , MJ

Do you still have this splitter for sale? If so, how much and where in WI can a person find you? Thanks much in advance, MJ

You describe the fur as reddish. From the looking at the photo, my first inclination was that of beaver. By the late 1800's it was nearly extinct in Europe from what I understand and was a much sought prize in the US of A. The other possibility is that of muskrat. The two differ in that beaver has a much longer outer fur (known as guard hairs) which is about 2-3 inches long and a very dense underfur of only about an inch. The muskrat outer fur is about 1-2 inches, depending again on where the sample is taken, the underfur is only about 1/2 inch and not quite as thick as beaver. If either fur is left in the sun too long, it will bleach to almost blond (this takes years) and the ends of the hairs will curl, almost like velcro ends, this is called sunburn and can be done in just a few weeks of exposure to the sun, even by the animal while still on it's carcass. Hope this helps more than it confuses. MJ

Nice looking chaps! What was your source for the blue and red , was it mylar or leather, ? I'm looking for a source for mylar, Thanks much in advance, MJ