Friday, March 22, 2013

The Saddle...

Well, here it is.  It's pretty rough, needs the sheepskin underneath replaced and a little bit of stitching re-done.  It also needs some oil.  I can't find a maker's mark on it anywhere.  The name of the people mom sold it to is stamped underneath and I can see the word HULE tooled into the leather but other than that, I can't find anything.

I'm going to see if one of dad's old friends can look at it and see if he remembers it.  I'm not sure why, but I have a feeling this was dad's saddle.  I guess I'm going to have to do some sleuthing!  It's very plain and basic, kind of what I remember and I can't imagine dad having anything different.

I ended up payiing $300.  My friend Schanen went with us and said that was a fair price.






Thanks Schanen, for going with us and for helping me.  It was great to have you along for this rather emotional experience.

3 comments:

kate said...

I cannot BELIEVE he wanted to charge you $500 for a 50 year old saddle that has not been at all properly taken care of. Mom, cover your eyes: WHAT A DOUCHE BAG.

I think $300 was too much (we just paid $150 for a practically-new saddle at the tack swap last weekend) but, because of the sentimental value, I'm glad you go it. That's awesome sis.

jaci said...

I'm kind of with Kate, but you pay what you need to for sentimental value - and it looks like the tree is good, which makes the saddle valuable. I sold an old saddle for $150 about 12 years ago (mine had a maker's mark and nice tooling, the leather was in good shape & the sheepskin was still real good - I forget now who made my saddle).
That's a really nice saddle, Jodi - and good saddlemaker should be able to help you restore it.

Kind of wish my dad had saved his old saddle. I'm glad you got you dad's saddle!!

Dee said...

Poor old thing needs so much TLC. It must be glad to be back home with family.----After it is all cleaned up, it will look so proud.

Oh the stories it could tell.