jacquesvan Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Just bought an older saddle on Ebay. I would like some opinions on it. Estimated age and is it worth what I paid for it and any other info? It has Hamley EZ Dees as seen in the pics on Ebay. http://www.ebay.com/itm/230912938095?ssPageName=STRK:MEDWX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1435.l2649 Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JinxedDream Report post Posted January 31, 2013 Looks like every other 50's economy saddle I've come across but you wouldn't really know until you can actually look at it. I sold a saddle very similar to that one (in black) for $100. But this one looks like its in better shape. Depending on what the tree is made out of and a better inspection... probably closer to $200. As said, this is ball-park and based off a photo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oltoot Report post Posted January 31, 2013 The plated, non brass hardware suggests middle to late 40's though there were supplies of it around for awhile after the war induced brass shortage (and it was very cheap). It is in quite good shape. How about gullet width? If the tree is wide enough to work on horses of today, that suggests SE or SW origins. Note I use the word suggests rather than someting more definitive. Without a maker's mark, all is pretty much speculation. Unfortunately it is in between collectors and modern used markets so the $200 estimate is probably high end. I just looked at the ebay link and wonder who the !?*%# was that estimated it as ~$3,000 new. It is not a wade and not high quality. But this is a lot like looking for a wife. Whatever you find, if she suits you and doesn't smell bad, what difference does it make what anybody else thinks. If you bought it to use and not to peddle, just move on and don't look back. The stuff about the Hamley EZ rigging advantages is pretty much true though the entire description on Ebay is sure the work of a clever marketer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saddlebag Report post Posted March 14, 2013 (edited) I beg to differ. This is a quality saddle with a rawhide wrapped tree. I own an identical one in roughout and these are quality thro and thro, better than a lot of today's saddles. To buy a saddle of this quality today, new, would cost $2500+. But, this quality is scarce because the leather was cut from older cattle and is of a good thickness. Nowadays an animal barely makes it to 2 yrs and it's hides are thinner. Why do you think the manufacturers talk about butter soft leather. The fleece is real sheepskin. Edited March 14, 2013 by Saddlebag Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
