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Help with McClellan Saddle


Vpep
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Hello Everyone,

     I had the opportunity to buy What I thought was a M-1904 McClellan Saddle.  It was very inexpensive in my opinion, (well under $100). It was one of those snap decision type purchases, so I wasn't able to do the research I usually do. I was hoping to restore it to put together a nice display.   When I got home I noticed the placard that was stamped with the seat size was blank, and there are no markings on the saddle tree that I can find. I have read that Argentina had made copies of the M-1904 in the 1960s.  I hope that's not what this is, but if I had to I could re sell it and at least get my money back. I welcome any information that some of the more knowledgeable members may have about it.  

Thanks in Advance,

Vic

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My best advice would be to sell the tree and put $300 to $500 into a complete saddle.  They come up fairly frequently. Do your research on what needs to be on a complete saddle.  You will spend a lot more money trying to find all the straps and parts.  Also, a saddle that has been together for a while looks like it's been together for a while.  It will display much nicer.  A parts saddle will have different shades and condition of the leather.  I'm not saying it can't be done, I'm just saying it's probably not worth the effort.

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I have that same saddle. It's WW1 era. I paid the same amount and started out thinking your same thoughts but have come around to what Japrostak has said. The stamps are on the leather. I forget the exact locations, but they are there. Unless you really like to hunt and have a deep interest in this it will turn into a long term project. I ended up giving my saddle and bags to my sister. Equestrian items are more her area and she has moved forward with it. Good luck! 

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Thank you both for the advice. I think you are right. I’ve been searching for parts and the numbers don’t make sense. For what it takes to restore this one I could buy at least two complete saddles

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hellcat_0413

I have a saddle set like this with some more parts that I am interested in selling if you are interested.

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Thanks for the offer, but I think I’m going to take a step back from this project until I gain a little more knowledge about it. This was a snap purchase which turned out to be more than I anticipated.

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I want to thank you guys again for the information and feedback about the saddle tree, but I have one more question. What are the two “D” rings for on the front of the tree? Is this actually an artillery saddle?

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Brian Keith

Correct, The D rings at the front indicate it is an artillery drivers saddle. Normally, the maker info is stamped into one of the rear panels.

BKW

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Brian, thanks for the information. This is definitely an interesting subject. If anyone can recommend any references on these, I would be grateful. I’ve seen McPheeters book, but at over $400, it was a little cost prohibitive.

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