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.

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

So when hardware is listed as "nickel plated" does that mean plated brass, plated die cast, or....? Depends on who you buy from? For Example http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/product...?number=1151-00