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This old beauty, I have been riding in since the early 1980's. It was purchased from a fella named Bill House and he claimed to be one of the original, if not the original Marlboro men. Whether, that is true or not, we didn't have the internet back then to help us find out that info. Just given you some background info. He hung with another cowboy named Marvin, last name unknown who later broke his neck in a car accident in NJ. Sad, because this fella could really sit a horse. I have had multiple custom saddles made, yet this is always my go to saddle and travels with me wherever I go. It probably has more flyer miles than most people, seeing it has been on many international flights, Island flights and goes with me whenever I go anywhere either to buy, ride, train or do anything horse related. Even just R&R vacations because you just never know... I wish I could duplicate it because, every single person who has ever had the privilege to ride this saddle has wanted one. Yes, I have had a saddlemaker try, but it just doesn't feel the same, even having someone ride it for over a year to break it in for me. . I was told it was purchased at an auction in Oklahoma, because it made its way to NJ, via a group of cowboys that would buy and ship western horses in their rig. 10 horse gooseneck stock trailer. These folks are probably in their early to late 60's, possibly a bit older now. Again just background info that might jog someone's memory of a possible history.. That being said, until recently I never thought to look to see if it had a maker's mark or any other identification. sometimes perfection doesn't need a label. I found something but it is indistinguishable, but maybe it would help in my search for the Maker. Whoever made it, I hope they became a great success because like I said there hasn't been a saddle I have ridden in that can compare for an all around ride purpose. before I have posted any of my requests for help, I have combed databases for Maker Marks and all sorts of historical data. These three saddles I have requested help with are the only three out of many, I can't seem to find out any info on. Again, Thanks in advance for any info anyone can provide and the best way to care for these old beauties.

Howdy all, Once again I am reaching out to the folks in the know to see if I can get any info on this saddle I purchased at a fund raiser. The saddle is completely in tact, all parts as pictured. The rear cinch strap although not pictured was also included. My prime concern is the best way to clean and maintain this old beauty. The bars on the saddle are oversized, so I am guessing it was custom made for a draft or draft cross. Seat 16 inches. The saddle weighs a hefty amount 50 plus pounds. It was donated to a fund raiser in NJ and have had no luck in trying to locate the person who donated it. I would be happy to send more photos, however I reached the max 1.46 MB for post.

Looking for information on H.H.HEISER saddle. Hoping to find the value, history, and how to better take care of it. The serial number consists of two numbers which I believe to be 53 but could also be 58. It is not allowing me to add more photos. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, After countless hours of online research I can find nothing about 18th century (1720-1780) (French and Indian/Revolutionary wars) leather being beveled and burnished. Was leather beveled and burnished back then, or was it just cut, sewn, and that was it; no bevel / burnishing of any kind? (Bags,straps,belts,knife sheaths) Most leather items of that period made today, show an unbeveled, unfinished edge. Have also inquired at Reverend's Big Blog of Leather but no help, as there time frame doesn't cover the middle to late 1700's, also Williamsburg, VA no reply I don’t want to do a project for that time period with a beveled edge, and later to my embarrassment, find this was not an embellishment of the day. Any thoughts on this is greatly appreciated. Thanks for time and help Regards,

I came across this today on YouTube, and thought some might enjoy it.

Hello everyone, I hope that you are all well and staying safe during this pandemic. I wasn't able to find a solid answer to a question I've been trying to research. Where did the Sheridan style of leather tooling come from? The floral design is very similar to the "okir" designs from Southern Asia. If you know awesome! If not perhaps you know of some literature that covers it? I've tried searching the internet but much of it discusses technique but not history. Thanks! Teo

I came across this article today, and thought it might be of some interest here, particularly for those old iron fans. It covers how the first sewing machines came about, how Singer came to dominate the market, and some of the social changes they brought about. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-50673541 Enjoy! - Bill

Here are some pictures of some old saddlebags my friend sent me on Facebook. I don't know anything about them except these pictures. Have any of you seen anything like these before? I would like to create a replica and would like some ideas on the metal work. Anyway, this is my first post in this forum. But i've been lurking quite awhile. Thanks everyone!

If you live in, or are visiting the Phoenix Arizona area, I recommend a trip to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the Southwest. They have a display of saddles, spurs, cuffs, etc that I definitely enjoyed browsing through.

Read the article for further information, and see the photos. I'd like to know more about the type of leather, the stitches used, was it welted, and so on-- Of course, that kind of specialist knowledge isn't covered! http://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-other-artifacts/everlasting-shoe-what-does-5500-year-old-shoe-found-cave-tell-us-about-021382

I suspect one is not meant to cross-post but this is an important issue that needs to be brought to members attention as much as possible . . so I ask the Moderators help in this matter. Please follow the link below to my detailed post?

I was recently at the leather museum in Igualada, Spain. They had a large selection of Guadamaciles (spanish tooled leather). I have been trying to learn more about the techniques used in Spain during the 17th and 18th century and would love to know any thoughts you have on the subject.

Here is a video of my work area... I picked up a new camera (GoPro 3 White) and decided I'd try and make some videos of my leatherwork. I am just a beginner, however, I have learned so much from other people (of all skill levels) posting videos that I figured that maybe someone could benefit from my little knowledge or, from my mistakes... I'm new to making vids and new to the GoPro as well so I hope you don't get sea-sick watching! All comments are welcome. (I have thick skin as well as the ability to ignore any non constructive comments.) (Click on the word "video" above to link to YouTube.) Thanks!

Hello, I am with a county museum and am working on an update to our saddle exhibit. I would like to find a video on historic saddlemaking or leather work to include near an exhibit of a workbench with standard leatherworking tools. So far I have found only modern how-to tutorial video clips. If anyone has a source for a historical perspective, I would appreciate it!

I came across a really good web site that outlines the history of the tanning and glove making history in Johnstown and Gloversville New York. At one time that area was one of the largest in terms of tanning and glove making. Made for some interesting reading as I grew up in that area. What was real telling was the phone directories from over the decades, from the heyday to present time there was a huge decline in the industry. Having lived there I can attest to the severe damage to the ecology that was done by the tanneries, dumping raw chemicals and runoff into the local creeks. At on me time the Cayudetta creek was one of the most polluted bodies of water in the US. Things cleaned up in the 80's but there are a lot less tanneries now. Gloversville was a glove making machine, still remember the factories on my way to the library. It is interesting looking back in history at how popular ladies gloves were at one time. Take a look at the site, it is worth a few minutes of your time for sure. www.gloversandtanners.com