MyGalAl Report post Posted February 15, 2009 Hi. I'm glad to see such an active network of craftsmen and I'm hoping you can help me. I just purchased a vintage western saddle for our quarter horse and am in need of some info/advice. First off, I'm trying to get an idea of just how old this saddle is. It says Ellis Saddle, Van Nuys, Calif. Being from New England, I know very little about western saddles (or anything else western really) and I've searched high and low for anything on this saddle company but have found nothing. The saddle also indicates "designed by M. Ringlero" which I have found info on. Apparently he's Mervin Ringlero who's a somewhat fairly well known Pima Indian saddle maker. The saddle is dark mahogany oil and has solid silver conchos and trim. Oh, it also has silver lacing and is heavily tooled. The more important question is, how can I repair a missing section of leather on the seat (approx 1" x 2"). I'm not looking for a perfect repair job (this is to be used on trails only), I just want to prevent it from getting any worse. Can you recommend something that would fairly decent without getting too involved (or expensive). It looks like it may have been suede at one time, but is fairly smooth now. Thank you! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bob Report post Posted February 15, 2009 Hello and welcome to the leather worker forum. The best thing would first upload some pictures of your saddle and closeups of the repairs you'd like done. It sounds like the padded seat has a tear in the seat, it can definitely be replaced. Repaired? Well, we'll see what the pictures show. Welcome Bob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted February 15, 2009 Hi Bob. Thanks for the quick reply. Here are some pictures which I hope will help. Here's the company info: And here's a picture of the entire saddle: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted February 15, 2009 Oh, and the Mervin Ringlero stamp... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greg gomersall Report post Posted February 15, 2009 I believe this was a company run by Ellis Barnes who is now in Elfrida Arizona. It would be hard to "patch" that hole, putting a pad in would be more viable. greg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted February 16, 2009 Thanks for the lead on the saddle and feedback on the tear. I may just put a cushion over the whole thing as I don't want to spend a lot in repairs since I really just want it for trail riding. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted February 17, 2009 Greg: Can you elaborate more about putting a pad into the seat for a repair.; is this something I can do? Couldn't I just put a piece of leather into the hole and glue down the edges? If so, does anyone know a source for leather in Boston area? Is there a glue of choice? Or would it just be better to replace the whole seat (dependent upon cost). Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted February 18, 2009 Thanks to Greg for the lead on the Ellis saddle. I just got off the phone with Ellis Barnes and it was indeed one of his saddles made between 1970 - 1980. He hired Merv and Louis Ringlero to make saddles for him and mine was made by Merv. He also convinced me I should spend the money and have the saddle properly repaired. Karen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted February 18, 2009 This Forum is amazing. So much shared info...a name, a phone call, and then resolved. I sure hope you plan to post pix of the repair, when you are getting it done. I think that would be very interesting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hidepounder Report post Posted February 18, 2009 (edited) I believe this was a company run by Ellis Barnes who is now in Elfrida Arizona. It would be hard to "patch" that hole, putting a pad in would be more viable. greg Good catch Greg!! I didn't know Ellis had done that. I learn something new here every day! Edited February 18, 2009 by hidepounder Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted February 18, 2009 (edited) This Forum is amazing. So much shared info...a name, a phone call, and then resolved.I sure hope you plan to post pix of the repair, when you are getting it done. I think that would be very interesting. I can do that. BTW, It was interesting chatting with Ellis and he was most helpful. He owned his company for 10 years (1970 - 1980) in Van Nuys CA and almost all of his saddles were custom orders. He's going to get back to me with the name of someone he'd recommend for getting a new seat made. So, I have a 30+ year old gem of a saddle I got for small $ because it has a tear in the seat (well, and a few other small issues), PLUS I got to speak to the company owner some three decades after he leaves the business. That's what I call great customer service! Edited February 18, 2009 by MyGalAl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MyGalAl Report post Posted March 10, 2009 (edited) I wanted to post an interesting update on this saddle. My trainer finally got a chance to see it on my wide QH paint and sadly it didn't fit properly. But...the saddle is now headed out west as it was purchased by Ellis's son. I'm sad to see it go, but glad it will end up back in the Barnes family after all these years. Edited March 10, 2009 by MyGalAl Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
