martinez family saddle

The family of Charles Martinez, owner of McCabe Silversmiths from 1935-1960, has just recently completed assembling the saddle from marked silver pieces left behind since his death in 1960. It was a collaboration of artists including the Stanton family who purchased the last of the McCabe business along with a well know leather tooler, Bob Scott using traditional patterns and color as Dad would of done. The Ketchum Saddlery was always dad's preferred leather outfit, but they are no longer in business so we had to search out someone who could fill their boots and feel we found the best in the trade with the guidance of Tony Stanton. We believe that Dad was possibly making it for display purposes in his North Hollywood storefront, however, due to his health he never suceeded in opening this business. A true parade saddle, it's brilliant with over 10 lb.s of engraved silver in designs he used at the time for customers Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Dale Robertson to name a few. Medium in size (It fits mom and the girls in the family beautifully:)), it would be a true honor to have it ride in the next Rose Parade or another parade where his saddles have been on display with pride. The saddle is a testament to the art, time and love both silversmiths and leather artists share. Since mom is 91 now, she can't ride in parades on a horse and wants to share this beautiful work with the community it was built for. It is made to be on display with a collector or museum and now we will be looking for a new home for this unique treasure. If you are interested in seeing photos of this saddle, or have other input, please contact us. Melinda Nielsen (Martinez Family Saddle representative and daughter #4).

Patrick, I have just posted to Matt W regarding your fathers saddlery - what a nice thing to find this post! I don't know if I ever met you, I do remember the saddlery like it was yesterday though. The smell of the leather, horses, dust and eucalypist trees all mingle together when I think about it. My father would lay blueprints on the table at night and go over details and then take them to Ketchums for tooling. It was always active there with people coming and going and tossing me up on saddles. I really was too young to understand what they were all talking about or doing, I was just glad to be with my dad having fun. One thing we regret is that dad died so young, 43, and none of us learned this skill, I was just 12. My oldest brother learned some before he left to go in the brotherhood as a teacher. He wishes he had been able to continue on my dad's art and was planning on trying to take it up in his retirement; unfortunately he died suddenly last year. As a family we cherish our heritage and most of us rember your dad's saddelry as being part of it. Mom is now 91 and I plan on telling her about this when we visit again; she lives with my sister in LA area. We send our best to all of your family and loved hearing about the Ketchum past. Melinda

Matt, Growing up this saddlery was a big part of my life as my father was a master silversmith and went there often. When I was lucky enough to get invited to go, it was nothing but fun sitting on saddles and getting into things. I was one of 10 children and my father, long deceased, is Charlie Martinez was owner of McCabe Silversmiths. My mother sold the business when he died and we then no longer kept up with the Ketchums as she had her hands quite full. I have often wondered about the Ketchums since the last time I can remember being around them was the 60's. It would be good to catch up with them also. My dad designed silver for some Hollywood stars including Gene Autrey, Dale Robertson and worked on the Musick saddle retrofitting for RoyRogers. He also put together the Forrest Riley parade saddle - these are now in museums. We all were given silver jewelery throughout the years, but I hold dearly the ponytail cuff made in leather with my name tooled in it that no doubt came from Ketchums and my mothers leather belt with dad's silver buckle with her initials. When doing some research for my family I stumbled across this site and am looking for information of my own which I really don't want to post on this board. It is a question about Mr. Arness' interest in saddles or if he has a museum as our family may have some common interest. If you would please contact me through my email, I would appreciate it: melinda.cpmfamily@gmail.com If anyone else reads this that has interest in McCabe silversmithing, please feel free to reply on this post - happy trails! Melinda