barbaraallen3411 Report post Posted August 21, 2013 I recently purchased this saddle which is marked RANCH K- - - , MADE BY TANNER'S LEATHER INC., DALLAS, TEXAS. I believe the second word is KING but it is not clear. It is on a rawhide covered tree. I have been unable to find any info on Tanner's Leather. It has Blevins Buckles which are marked Pat. Pend. If you have any info; age, type of saddle, etc., it would be greatly appreciated. I have not been on or around a horse for 30+ years so consider me a novice! I purchased the saddle for resale and in the best interest of my customer(s) I want to list it correctly. Is is a collectible? Does it look usable, good for rehab, or is it just for decoration? I have done nothing to the saddle except wipe the barn dust from it with a damp cloth. Thanks to any/all who reply!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oltoot Report post Posted August 21, 2013 It's not collectable but it isn't very far from useable. It could stand new strings and a thorough, take apart cleaning. Or if the tree is broken or too narrow for today's horses then it would be just decoration. That second word is, indeed KING. RANCH KING and TANNERS are both 50's 60's names and the saddle looks true to that period and that area. Blevins is still in business in Wheatland WY and you could just replace the buckle sleeves. Your profile doesn't say where you live but if you can take it to an experienced repairman to spruce up, it would certainly look like what it is instead of an old wall hanger. I wouldn't invest in new sheepskin if the existing lining is not torn anywhere. It won't increase the value as much as the other fixes will. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barbaraallen3411 Report post Posted August 22, 2013 Thank you very much. I would be re-selling this saddle and in the best interest of my customer I sure did not want to say that it could be restored and used if it were not possible. I am in Texas and will probably be traveling to the Yoakum area soon. I know a few people there who can probably hook me up with one of the local leather workers. Many Thanks, Barbara Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saddlebag Report post Posted August 28, 2013 I'm going to take a shot and date this saddle back to the 50's. The Pelican horn was popular back then and the elephant ear cantle showed up about the time, perhaps later 50's. It's interesting that it is almost identical to an older Big Horn I used to own altho the cantle was the regular Cheyenne roll. The seat stitching is identical, as are the slight back sweep of the forks. The lacing on the forks denotes a quality saddle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
