Antique Circassian Saddle

[circassian]

I recently bought a very rare antique circassian saddle, don't know how old it is, my guess, it's from mid 19th century. My knowledge about antique leather saddles amount to nothing. The saddle is in bad condition, desperately needs cleaning and restoration. I am looking for someone who can clean and restore the saddle or some advise how and where to get help. I live in Rhode Island - US.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[barra]

I'd be inclined to seek advise from someone at a museum who specialised in leather restoration. Simply slopping on saddle soap and leather dressing could do more harm than good. IMO you should be aiming to stem further deterioration so that it looks the age it really is and not ruin it with a modern re build. This will destroy it's true value.

Does It look something like this?

http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=1183

Edited September 6, 2008 by barra