Age And Value Of Great West Saddlery Saddle?

[prairiegirl]

I would be grateful for information and opinions on this Great West Saddlery saddle I just acquired. The sheepskin is worn away but otherwise in usable condition.

Thanks!

(BTW, great site here--very informative and I love how easy it was to attach photos!!)

Edited July 14, 2011 by prairiegirl

[AndyKnight]

That is the best condition Great wWest saddle that I have seen in a long time. I am not up on values however It would be a good find for a collector I would think made in th e1920 's . there again that is a guess. As far as using it be aware that those trees were typically quite narrow with very convex bars so you may have saddle fit issues. From a collector point of view I wouldn't reline it.

I would be grateful for information and opinions on this Great West Saddlery saddle I just acquired. The sheepskin is worn away but otherwise in usable condition.

Thanks!

(BTW, great site here--very informative and I love how easy it was to attach photos!!)

[prairiegirl]

That is the best condition Great wWest saddle that I have seen in a long time. I am not up on values however It would be a good find for a collector I would think made in th e1920 's . there again that is a guess. As far as using it be aware that those trees were typically quite narrow with very convex bars so you may have saddle fit issues. From a collector point of view I wouldn't reline it.

Thank you very much for the reply! It is a beautiful saddle, I am impressed by the condition too. I own two old-fashioned Quarter Horse mares--this saddle might fit over their necks but it sure won't fit their backs, ha ha ha ha!

Thanks also for answering my unasked question--should I have it re-fleeced or not. I will leave it as it is.

[compound]

Really LOVE this design. I build similar type of saddle with 18inch freak fork for ACM Loveland show this year. Can i see front view of your saddle?

Thanks Martin

Edited July 15, 2011 by compound

[D.A. Kabatoff]

Prairiegirl,

I agree with Andy, I've seen about thirty or so Great West saddles over the years but none in that kind of condition and I wouldn't reline the saddle from a collectors point of view. Even if it did fit modern horses (which I'm sure it wouldn't) it'd be a shame to mark it up. I couldn't speculate on the price.

Darcy

[prairiegirl]

Really LOVE this design. I build similar type of saddle with 18inch freak fork for ACM Loveland show this year. Can i see front view of your saddle?

Thanks Martin

I will post a photo as soon as possible. Thanks!

Prairiegirl,

I agree with Andy, I've seen about thirty or so Great West saddles over the years but none in that kind of condition and I wouldn't reline the saddle from a collectors point of view. Even if it did fit modern horses (which I'm sure it wouldn't) it'd be a shame to mark it up. I couldn't speculate on the price.

Darcy

Thank you! I think it will just sit on display in the house if I keep it. We may sell everything and go RV-ing though...which is why I'm interested in a resale price. But until then it will be pretty to look at!

[prairiegirl]

Really LOVE this design. I build similar type of saddle with 18inch freak fork for ACM Loveland show this year. Can i see front view of your saddle?

Thanks Martin