My New Old Saddle

[Rayelle]

Hello Everyone, Im new to the form and this is my 1st post. My post is about my saddle I just bought yesterday, Its a Vintage Tex Tan, Has no serial numbers anywhere, Iv been searching on google and the different locations where it could be ,and there is none! This saddle is different than any old Tex Tans. Its a show type but with real D Rings on the back for the rear cinch it also has a double skirt and well as many extras for its day! I just love this saddle. Trees in perfect shape and over all a awesome find! On the horn there is a "50 No.36 " badge , and ill will attach pictures as well. Hope to hear from anyone with comment and any info others might have, I have contacted Tex Tan about this saddle, and waiting to hear back, in the meantime I will update any info I find, This is a great collectors saddle and i plan to clean it today. Also others with Vintage Tex Tans are welcome to use this thread with there saddles, Look forward to hearing from you all, Ray

After a cleaning:

Matching Rear Cinch (uncleaned)

[roo4u]

i believe that was produced for their 50th anniversary in 1969.

[dirtclod]

Look for Tex Tan / Herford. The Herford saddles were better line of saddles that they made. As far as it being a show saddle i think your wrong there. It just has buckstiching and the part on the seat jockeys is wore out / off and laced with stainless steel lacing on the roll on the back of the seat. Show saddles generally have silver plates on the corners. One other thing check the post on the Belivins buckles to see if all right. They will coroade over time and break off.

[Rayelle]

Thank You for the replies,

(Roo4u) I was also thinking that this was a 50th anniversary saddle also, But havnt found any others like it/ info/pictures or write ups on it. Iv seen American 50th anniversary saddles and they are differnt, and Mine has a nicer horn cap buckle . American ones have a carved floral plate horn cap. Also mines numbered! No.36 ? like how many where there? 36 a model number? number on line like #36 out of #50? Could it be my missing serial number? haha Has me puzzled.

(Dirtclod) Yes I agree, Just this saddles alot more dressed up to be a roper I thought, even for its day. I checked the buckles and rivitts on the Belvins and all is good, but noticed one post was a bit weak, nice little weld will do er. I now have a question , Im wanting to know what would be the best thing for this leather right now, I cleaned it up, and used Leather CPR, did a fine job, but i kinda think it could use a good soaking ?( be a good idea or no?) and if so best brands, and kinds? This saddles been well looked after , but for the last 4 or so years be sitting out in a dusty barn.

Thank Ray

[dirtclod]

What ever you put on your saddle don't soak it. If you do you probley ruin it. I have seen several saddles ruined by over oiling even after they were told not to do it. If you over oil with neetsfoot oil it come out on your clothes and anything else it touches for years.

Personally i would use Lexol or Blackrock conditioner. But their lots of good conditioners out there. Follow the directions they will tell you not to put to much on at one time. When i use neetsfoor oil or lexol i put it on with sheep skin scrap and trim the wool on the sheep skin. Be sure and oil the backs of the finders, billets and back gurith and sturipp leathers. They get alot of sweat off of a horse.