Information on Port Parker trademark, N Porter saddle

[romaIII]

Hi,

I am looking for information on maker "Port Parker". The N Porter saddle is in rough shape so I wonder if it's worth saving, will ever be useable or just a total loss. I would not even know how to begin cleaning the tooling as I am only familiar with English & Dressage saddles. Any information is greatly appreciated. 

[Outlaw68]

Yes, this saddle is worth saving. I'm sorry to have seen this this late and I hope you haven't tossed the saddle yet. If you still have it would you want to keep it, clean it up and use it, or set it out as decor, or sell it? I have one of these, though mine is older than that one. Mine is a 1939 with border tooling and is in amazing condition. I had to replace the saddlestrings, both leather and brass conchos, rope strap, fork strap, both latigos, and stirrup hobbles, but everything else (except the fleece, it's useable, but ugly as a cross eyed three legged cur dog) was in incredible condition and still completely useable. I'd say if you still have it then post more pictures of it so we could be of better help. Could be wrong cuz of the bad lighting, but that looks like a real fleece on it, the original at that. Over all, it looks like it's in good condition and just needs a really good cleaning and deep conditioning, and maybe a few pieces replaced or repaired. Don't get discouraged. Mine took a couple weeks to get all the dirt off and another couple to get it conditioned. It was still pliable, but it kept soaking in the oil. Now it is evenly colored and feels better than any newer saddle I've rode.

 

I hope this helps as a place to start. First off, if you want to keep it as a decoration or collectible, then be very careful in the next steps not to damage or throw away anything as everything needs to be original to retain it's collector's value. If you want to use it, then still be careful, but you can replace things. Check the tree and make sure it's still solid and the horn's tight. Once you check the tree and horn then take it apart as much as you can, for instance, take off all the strings and conchos. By doing this, the rear jockey and the skirts will come off, leaving the bottom of the rawhided bars bare. Take off the fenders/leathers and this will let you get in closer to the tree and riggin. If you can, pull the seat up carefully. It's stitched down at the cantle binding and will have hide glue holding it to the groundseat, so if it doesn't want to come easily, then leave it. I only say to do this to clean under there. If it comes up though, don't keep pulling till it creases the leather, just pull it barely enough to dust out any dirt, hair, hay, and whatnot. Use a horsehair brush and carefully dust the entire thing, not forgetting the nooks and crannies. Once no more dust is coming off, then use a gentle, natural saddle soap and some warm water. A good soap that's easier to get is Fiebing's. I make my own soap, but if I use premade, I use Fiebing's yellow or white paste soap. It will take many washings to get off all the dirt. Get it clean and when your rag comes away clean on all spots then, while it's still damp, not wet, but damp, apply a light coat of pure neatsfoot oil (make sure it doesn't have anything else in it such as mineral oil or synthetic. You can also use lard or tallow, which are actually my favorites. Apply it with your hand as it will warm the oil and help it to penetrate the leather better. Check the saddle the next day. If all the oil is soaked in then go and apply another coat. Do this until it has a light oily feel once it's sat for a few hours, then wipe it off, buff it to a nice finish, apply a beeswax and natural animal fat conditioner in an even coat then buff it to a soft shine. While you're at it, if you plan on useing the saddle, replace the fleece. Since it's an old saddle, use only a real sheepskin. A synthetic will lower the value of the saddle greatly. Make sure to sew it through the original stitching holes. Carefully check the rigging and make sure it's strong. Replace it if needed and check everything else carefully. I'd recommend new strings and latigos just to be safe, and check the stirrup leathers. Uncrease the skirts and reblock them if you have to. String everything tight and you're good to go. Keep us updated. I'd love to see it through the process.