I purchased some antique saddles last year. I thought a couple looked very interesting so bought them simply because I liked the looks. I show Appaloosa horses, and the Heritage class they have basically has you dressing the part of some historical aspect that horses were involved with. The items have to be as accurate as possible. So I was thinking of having a replica of one of the saddles made that I might be able to use for that class. First I have to find out what exactly the saddles would have been used for though.
I have two of this style of saddle. The seats are 11-12 inches. I found a saddle very similar listed on Ebay as a Conestoga Wagon saddle. One is in very bad condition as one skirt is ripped at the seat, a hole in it as well and the tree has a corner of it broken. The second one is in much better condition, but still very fragile. It even has the stirrups and girth with it. I hope these pictures come out. This is the saddle I would most like to have a replica made of, but would need it wide enough to fit a blocky quarter horse.
The other saddle I am most interested in has a makers tag on it. The Mehlbach Saddle Company of New York. I looked up some information on the company and found that this saddle is possibly from 1901-1913. This saddle appears to have been repaired at one time, but still has great wear on it since the repair. I think it looks in too good of condition to be over 100 yrs old, but thinking maybe it could have been completely refurbished at one time, then possibly used more. It looks like some severe damage to the seat. There was also an item with it that had U.S.M.C on it. I am not sure what this item was. One person stated it was a knee roll, but I am thinking it was possibly the center of a breast collar but all straps are gone.
