Antique Find

[ReneeCanady]

I spent the weekend antique shopping in Lancaster, PA and I found this awesome (or so I think) saddle maker's bench. There is one spot that looks like it is missing something, but I have no clue what would have been there, any suggestions? It still clamps shut really well and seems fully functional. Any clue what I should have paid for something like this LOL?

[Bluesman]

Nice find I cannot see, by the photo what is missing. If I would have found it, and it functioned, $100 would not have been a problem. I would of had to think about more. But, there is a lot to make one of those. I bet, once you clean it up it will be a very cool treasure. You done good.........

[ReneeCanady]

Thanks! We paid $95. I think I would have been stuck at more than that also 1. because I don't know how old it is 2. I haven't attempted making saddles (never know though lol) and 3. Pfft I have spent that much on any other of my really cool finds so why not.

I looked up other pics and it looks like the spot where I thought something might be missing might be wear and tear on the wood from so much leather rubbing it. Either way with it cleaned up nicely it will make a great part of my western style fireplace room.

[Bluesman]

You can use that for any stitching project. not just for saddles. Sure makes thing comfortable. Great job!!!!!

[ReneeCanady]

Oh yes, it sure beats the little wooden one that is entirely uncomfortable that I bought from Tandy. Wonder if the hubby will mind if I park this right infront of the T.V LOL

[bruce johnson]

Weighing in a bit late here but it looks like a good buy. In traveling around I see them priced from around $100 up to $300 depending on style and how solid they are. Surprisingly I see quite a few, and end up buying a couple a year. If you could, I'd like to see a view of how the clamping mechanism works. This looks different than the common strap through to the opposite jaw, and not the bottom scissors clamping of the saddler's style stitching horse. FWIW, in front of the TV is fine. I've normally got one in my living room.

Is the Tandy you have the one they carried about 20 years ago? PM me if so.

[ReneeCanady]

ROFL! Sorry for the HUGE pics. I am horrible at getting them right on this site. The bench I have from Tandy is not a bench much less old. It is that little one you put under your legs.

[bruce johnson]

Renee,

Could you get a picture between the jaws from the front? About 20 years ago Tandy sold a stitching horse you sat on. I got one in a store drawing and used it a lot. I did a little rasping on the edges to make the seat and waist area contoured and more comfortable to sit on. Later on a guy visiting my shop took a rasp to the top of the jaws and that helped a lot with using it too. It was left foot operated. I got an old historic one a few years ago and passed the Tandy on to a guy in need. Even a few years later when I sew on this one I still keep reaching out with my left foot to work the jaws. I have a customer looking for the old Tandy version. He had one to start with and wishes he had it back.

[ReneeCanady]

LOL You made me go look to see if it was a left or right footed. I wasn't sure after that. Great idea with rasping the edges! Before last Christmas I wouldn't have had a clue what this thing even was.

Don't mind the dust Just came in my door yesterday