Exceptional Trail Saddle

Lot 264: Early Texas Trail Saddle

A rare 1850s Texas style stock saddle. Exposed and chased rawhide tree, leaf design tooling in the earliest style. The pommel has red leather decoration within the rigging. The horsehair anquera which formed the rear skirts has been trimmed. The saddle includes a pair of very scarce pommel holsters with matching tooling and finish. The flaps have been removed and attached is the original ball pouch. The holsters fit a large frame revolver such as the Colt Walker or Dragoon. Very hard to find these accessories intact. The buckles and rigging rings have original leather coverings. The quilted and padded seat shows some insect damage. The original tapaderos cover fine-condition, leather covered and tooled stirrups. The fenders are in excellent condition and show little if any use. A very similar saddle is shown in both, “Fine Art of the West” by Byron Price, page 22 & 23; and “Cowboys and the Trappings of the Old West” by William Manns and Elizabeth Clair Flood, page 111.

Brian Lebel's Old West Auction - June 11, 2016
Sold $7,475