First I want to say hello to the fine folks here. Spent a lot of time reading posts and finally signed up to inquire about my family saddle. My guess is this saddle has been in my family since the 1940s, since my grandfather, my father, and myself have all ridden it. Built in 1933 by Henry Donis at Hamley, it is number 580, also known as the "Triangle". Serial number D8, originally sold to a James E Gunzaler (or Gonzolos, Gonzales, etc.) on September 19, 1933. I haven't ridden in many years, but have kept the saddle since it is a family heirloom so to speak. It's not in great shape, hopefully I'll be able to upload the pictures. I've never inquired about saddle restoration before, so I'm not sure what to expect. So my question is, what kind of cost should I expect, and what are your opinions on restoring a saddle of this age? Leave it as is to preserve the history, showing the wear and use, or restore and have as a show piece?
So I see there is a very small size limit to attachments here on the forum. Maybe I can just reply to my own thread and add one picture per reply lol
Thanks!
Another pic