Old side saddle

[fuffy]

Have the chance of buying an old side saddle but leather looks very brittle.. has anyone else restored one successfully? and what sort of price would you expect to pay?

 

[Jnhuk]

From my little bit of knowledge, if you find a good one then they are worth refurbishing which can be costly but they are worth a lot of £ when done. Do you know the make?

The best known makes are Whippy, Owen, Mayhew & Champion & Wilton
to my limited knowledge.

Maybe worth speaking to the Side Saddle Assocation contact in your area for advice

 

[fuffy]

Thanks for that, I will try to find out what make and have sent a message to Sidesaddle association

 

[Rowreach]

I know someone who restores them and I'm sure would be happy to talk it through with you, or Oz (cremedemonthe) on here could probably help. It would be worth a fair bit once restored anyway.

 

[Nevergrewup]

Check the size looks ok for your horse - side saddles are near impossible to alter in size beyond half a width fitting due to their construction. Also check that the tree feels solid as anything else can be restored except a broken tree.

Where are you? There are about 5 specialist side saddles in the country who could do the restoration, but it could cost anything up to a grand depending on how much work needed doing (you'd get that back at resale though). A side saddle in need of tlc is worth anything from £400 to £1k depending on condition - and show condition restored ones go for £2k+. For advice on feeding very old leather join the 'side saddle rider's group on Facebook and scroll down the posts.

 

[fuffy]

Thanks for all the advice, I am in Bedfordshire, will have a look on facebook too

 

[Nevergrewup]

There's no side- saddle-saddlers that I (or the side saddle assoc handbook!) know of in Bedfordshire, but several in the South East - PM me if you need contact details.

 

[sidesaddlegirl]

A word of warning though that not all side saddles are worth a lot, even if they are restored. Some are best left as decorative items if they lack a cutback head, ultra narrow and/or have VERY dipped seats that ride uphill like what was popular in the the Victorian era.

I have had side saddles refurbished, my off-side one made in 1898 was and my turn of the century reversible one is currently being restored so it is possible. Anything can be fixed on a side saddle, even broken trees and pommels but it's down to how much you are willing to spend and if it's worth it (i.e. are you looking to make a profit or is it a saddle that fits you and your horse perfectly).

You are more than welcome to pm me if you need any help

 

[fuffy]

Further to the sidesaddle: discovered today the makers name which is A Davis and Co , The Strand , London. Has anyone heard of these makers please?

 

[Sessle]

I had a side saddle made by them, lovely comfy saddle

 

[fuffy]

After a lot of thought I decided against getting it as I was not sure it would be a good idea financially...lots of expense and probably not worth it.. not a well known name either Thanks all anyway xx