Tell me about my saddle

[Pally]

Hi....I'm not a leather worker, but I sometimes lurk here for tidbits of info. You guys are all so knowledgable, that I thought I would see what you have to say about this saddle i have. It's off eBay, so I have no history on it. And there are a few things I haven't seen before (keeping in mind I am most familiar with older mid range production saddles).

Here are a whole bunch of pictures, so they can do the talking

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b388/pal...addle/?start=20

It has no makers marks or numbers at all (even with in tact latigo keeper)

It's deeply tooled, I am assuming by hand?

The buckstitching appears to be plastic, and the rigging dees aluminum (?)

Padded suede seat.

Blevins stirrup buckles

The lining is in good shape, but honestly, I have no idea how to tell if it is real or imitation sheepskin....I am not sure why there is leather through the sheepskin in 2 spots near the back though?

I'm not sure what metal the conchos are made of (but I sure think they are pretty )

The really weird thing to me is that the fenders and billets are all lined with suede. I can not figure out why.

The underside of the tree also seems to be "lined" with this suede, but looking where the fender hangs, it is definitely a rawhide tree (looks a little chewed up in that area to me though). The tree feels solid.

It's length (lots of skirt behind the seat) is also kind of strange to me, though I have seen pictures of a few other vintage saddles that seemed like this too.

Basically I'm just looking for any comments you have. Where or when it mght have been made, good points or hunk or junk points....anything really. Maybe a selling value (since it doesn't fit the horse I think it's going up for sale). If you have any questions or need a picture of something specific I will try my best.

Thanks a lot

Edited November 3, 2008 by Pally

[rickybobby]

Pally,

The photos are of a lime dog leash. The photos lower in your post did show up.

The leather appears to be a poor grade in the billets. I have seen that kind of texture in the surface on saddles from Mexico. Also the tooling appears to be from a production shop across the border. The leather in the back under the bars that shows up over the sheep skin are either the lug straps or saddle strings holding the rear skirts on. from the looks of them they will sore your horse real quick, they look thick and protrude the lining a lot, causing a lump that will get your horse in a bad mood and you on the ground!!

This is only my opinion from the few photos that did show up. Maybe someone else see's something different?

Take care, good to get as much info on this saddle before putting it to a long ride or selling it to someone.

Rick J.

[Pally]

Thanks...I always screw up my links but that is fixed now.

That was my initial thought about those leather strings on the bottom too.

Are there any "criteria" I can look at to determine leather grade? I know you guys probably just look at it and know, but what kinds of things are you looking for?

Don't worry I won't be offended about hearing the bad points too...that's why I posted. I want to be able to sell with as much disclosure as I can. Haven't personally ridden in it though.

[Hidemechanic]

I guess it depends what you are going to do with it. It is something I would stay away from. Looks like a mex to me. The seats usually are not comfortable in those because it's built to get out the door but brake down fast. Check the tree for brakes and the underside for nails and screws, they don't stay together well.

You need to know your stuff when buying off fleebay to get something that has the quality you are looking for as well as getting a saddle that will fit your horse. It's hard to get someone off there to let you send the saddle back if it isn't what you want.

It's always best to buy a saddle you can get your hands on.

That's my 2. Hope things work out for you.GH

[rickybobby]

Pally,

After looking at the rest of the photos I can tell it is made in Mexico. I am sure there are some very fine craftsmen there, I have seen some posts from one maker from there on this forum, they looked like top notch saddles. But the production shops try to make as many as possible and as cheap as possible.

Looking at the stirrups, the way they are covered, chap leather on the inside. The tooling pattern is pressed then a few tools are used. The buckstitching is classic "Mexico style".

Be very careful of the riggings, they are usually off and sometimes only held on with nails or staples.

[AndyKnight]

The other guys have it right.... from Mexico and Very poor quality.