Does Anybody Recognize This Mark On My Saddle?

[chevygirl]

I aquired an old saddle that I originally didnt see a mark on. But low-and-behold, under the dirt and grime was a mark. It is very faint and wont show up in pics (sorry!). It is on top of the horn. A very large "W" with a small saddle outline over it. Also, there is a 703 stamped behind the seat. It appears to be an old style barrel or all-around saddle.

Any ideas??

[Saddlebag]

A pic of the whole saddle might help

[chevygirl]

Here's some pics if they help...

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x1/chevygurl_88/dogs008.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x1/chevygurl_88/dogs009.jpg

[Blake]

Here's some pics if they help...

http://i184.photobuc..._88/dogs008.jpg

http://i184.photobuc..._88/dogs009.jpg

That appears to be from a company that was a division of Big Horn in the late 60s to early 70s located in Chattanooga Tenn. It was simply called "Western Saddlery" if my memory is correct.

Blake

[chevygirl]

That appears to be from a company that was a division of Big Horn in the late 60s to early 70s located in Chattanooga Tenn. It was simply called "Western Saddlery" if my memory is correct.

Blake

I appreciate the reply I've never heard of Western Saddlery before, but good to know! I have some people wanting me to give them a price on it, but I have no idea what to ask for this one.. Any suggestions?

[Saddlebag]

Blake I'd wondered about Big Horn as well as it appears to be their stitching pattern on the seat.

[gothcowboy]

That's Western Saddlery's mark. (I have one from about 1968 that's two tone antique with square skirts.) A lot of times they were also marked on the fender. Many of their designs incorporated horseheads carved on the fenders, as well.

I found a bunch of these in a pile of old Western Horseman magazines from about '66 through the early 70s. They were basically an economy saddle with a lot of the identical features of the Big Horns, particularly the modified elephant ear cantle design.