Saddle worth??

[abigalerose]

Okay, everyone who knows anything about saddles!
I've got these two saddles here and I don't have a clue what they're worth!
First one is really old, I think 30's, and the little label says T.M. Lumly - Maker - Cushing Okla.
that's the one I'm really curious about, I was told that it's a really nice saddle.
Second one is a smaller saddle I can't find the label on it, doesn't have stirrups on it right now either

 

[Gray Farms]

What size are they?

 

[abigalerose]

I'm not really sure, if I had to guess, the lumly one is 15" and the other is 14"
I don't know how to measure them

 

[Gray Farms]

From the back of the tree to the back of the seat. 15s are the most common so therefore the most desirable.

 

[res]

From the back of the tree to the back of the seat. 15s are the most common so therefore the most desirable.

More specifically, from the pommel, behind the horn, straight across the seat to the front edge/stitching on the seat. Some Western saddles have what is called a "Cheyenne roll" and that is NOT included in seat size.

Seat sizes vary... you can find seats in anything from a 10" (for toddlers) up to 19/20" for BIG people. The majority of adults fit in a 14-16".

Seat size doesn't determine value, though. You can drop a couple thousand dollars on a 10" saddle for your toddler to compete in upper level AQHA leadline classes, and you can also spend just a few hundred on an el cheapo 19" saddle....

What I would suggest, if you or a friend/family member has a Facebook account, is to join the "antique saddle" groups and share pictures. You will get lots of crowd-sourcing advice and opinions. I entered "antique saddles" in the Facebook search engine and got 2 groups right at the top of the list.

Old saddles have LOTS of value, both as riding saddles if they are still in good condition, and as collector items. Like I have said before, I would HOLD ON TO THEM! You just don't find their quality and workmanship anymore. Get an estimated value and keep the saddles - you can always sell them if you need emergency funds!

 

[rdcowman]

I searched the label name that's on the saddle and it's very interesting! There wasn't any prices of how much it was worth though! I agree with res, i would hold on to it. Old saddles do have lots of value!
Here's the website i found. http://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/38135-t-m-lumly-saddle/

 

[chickens really]

A good old saddle, in excellent condition and with no cracks in the tree....Usually about $600......Technology now in saddle lowered the price......I found out as I was given an old saddle to be appraised and it was not worth much in todays market....Either used for parade or left on a stand.....


Cheers!

 

[abigalerose]

$600? That seems like way too much. My best guess after researching is that I'd be lucky to get $150 out of the saddles I have, but I could be wrong. I'm debating on if I should sell them or not, I really like the old saddles but I want a corriente saddle

 

[chickens really]

Yeah, $600 is at the high end....Depends on the saddles make and condition....Your probably right?
Old saddles look great cleaned up and displayed.....


Cheers!

 

[theoldchick]

Hang on to the Lumly saddle. You won't regret it.