Army and Navy Co-operative Side Saddle

J

jaxz85

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30 August 2011
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Hi All,

I bought a side saddle in the hope that I could have it fixed up and ride in it! It did not have a makers mark on it, but my saddler has taken it to pieces to re-stich the underneath and there is a label showing 'Army and Navy Co-Operative 19.5/ 12'. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about these saddles, I cant find a lot on the internet. I know its an old saddle, but Id like to know how old!

Thanks in advance

Jackie
 
Hi Jackie, got your email but I just got in as we moved Hattie to her new digs tonight!

The Army and Navy Co-op was a London department store which was opened in 1871 or 1872 (I forget which) that sold EVERYTHING. As an antique and vintage clothing dealer myself, I occasionally come across old pairs of gloves, shoes, etc (for men and women) labelled from this store. I didn't know they sold side saddles though, lucky you! They were still trading until 2005 when they became House of Fraser and are still on the same spot as when they first opened in the 1870's!

Your saddle would probably be the equivalent of the "catalog side saddles" of North America which were sold in the big department stores like Sears, Eaton's, Montgomery Ward during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. They weren't custom made for any particular person but just made in a standard tree size (most often narrow or medium) in a few seat sizes. Just like off-the-peg saddles of today.

Due to their lack of customization, they would have been in the price range of a middle class family who aspired to have nice things like wealthier families. The workmanship probably wouldn't have been on the same level as Champion & Wilton, Owen, Mayhew or Whippy but still would have been well made but just not as nice. Kind of like comparing a Kent and Masters saddle with a Hermes one :)

The numbers refer to the seat dimensions with how they used to measure them back then.

You mentioned that it has a off-side hanky pocket, that is typical on Victorian side saddles right into the Edwardian era.

If you could post a photo or email me one, i'll be able to date it more accurately :)
 
Thank you very much,

The photographs of it are on my work computer so Ill send you some through then.

Can I attach photos to here? Or can you send me your email?

Im very happy with it regardless of the details, it has been very well preserved and fits me perfectly! Although Yes it is narrow!!

I have also emailed you from your blog!

Thanks again

Jackie
 
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