Many people find used saddles for sale at flea markets, tack stores, garage sales or in classified ads, and need to identify the type of saddle they have. The first step is to get a general sense of the overall type of saddle, followed by identifying the saddle maker. Many popular saddle makers have websites or catalogs, and you can look up more information about the saddle online or in books to find out how many were made, when it was produced, and in what styles and colors.
- The next three digits of the serial number stamped on the saddle is a three digit serial number given to that particular saddle as an identifier of that individual saddle. After the three digit serial number, it is followed four more numbers which tell us the date of manufacture.
- From the Tecolote Ranch in Santa Barbara comes these super-cool 39” long fringed two-tone shotgun chaps from the renowned Visalia Stock Saddle Company in San Francisco. The chaps have the Visalia snake cartouche on the belt, twice stamped with the Visalia serial number on the back of the belt plus a maker-marked silver horseshoe shaped buckle. The perimeter is scalloped and has a 3/8.
- Feb 22, 2012 The next three digits of the serial number stamped on the saddle is a three digit serial number given to that particular saddle as an identifier of that individual saddle. After the three digit serial number, it is followed four more numbers which tell us the date of manufacture.
The Visalia Stock Saddle Company saw its beginning in the year of 1870 with David E. Walker better known as D. The Visalia Style Stock Saddle was the invention of Juan Maratrel who created the very first Visalia Stock Saddle Tree, and D. Walker having been a saddle maker bought Juan Maratrel's shop in 1870. Each Visalia saddle has its own serial number and the Visalia/D E Walker name is stamped deeply with pride. All saddles come with a written 5 year guarantee on the tree, under normal use. 150th Year Anniversary #400 series #500 series. Handmade Plain. Handmade Pattern. Handmade Tapered. Ready to Ride. Visalia Stock Saddle Co INC.
Western or English Saddle
First, determine whether you have an English or a Western style saddle. English saddles are flatter and have less padding than the Western, or cowboy-type saddle. Western saddles have a saddle horn, a protrusion on the pommel or front of the saddle that is used in ranch work. English saddles always have a single girth with either two or three straps to attach the girth, while Western saddles may have one or two girths.
Finding the Maker's Mark on an English Saddle
The maker's mark on an English saddle usually is stamped into the leather under the leg flap. Place the saddle on a stand or a fence post so you can look at it carefully. You may want to have a magnifying glass handy if the saddle is very worn so you can see the marks better. Lift the flaps up, first on the left side and then on the right. Look under the flap for the name, country of origin, and any identifying serial number. These often are stamped on the sweat panel or under the leg flap near the girth straps. Common saddle brands are Crosby, Kieffer, and Steuben, but there are many others.
Finding the Maker's Mark on a Western Saddle
Western saddle makers typically place their marks on one of three places: the latigo holder, behind the cantle or on the fenders. A few makers stamp underneath the flap or on the seat itself. Sometimes you can find the maker's mark on a metal tag placed on the saddle. Popular Western saddle makers include Billy Cook, Circle Y, Tex Tan and Tucker.
Final Identification
Once you have determined whether or not you have an English or Western saddle, and found the maker's mark and serial number or other identification number, it's time to learn more about your saddle. First, do an online search and find out whether the saddle still is being made. If it is, you can find information about it easily on the company's website or on a tack store website. If it's an older saddle, many saddle repair shops offer information on popular saddle makers and saddle types.
Old Visalia Saddles
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Visalia Stock and Saddlery Company
Born:1870Died:Maker's Mark:'VISALIA STOCK SADDLE CO SAN FRANCISCO', many other marks have been used over the years
Visalia is a storied company that has employed some of the most famous names in spur making. Precursor companies that would eventually become Visalia employed makers like Herrera, and bore names such as Walker & Wade, Walker & Wegener before being name Visalia Stock Saddle Company. Visalia was a reselling company and most collectors agree that they did not produce their own bits and spurs. Pieces marked Visalia have been attributed to makers such as Hernandez, Gutierrez, Chavarria, Larios, Gil, Bernal, Miller & Tietjen, Morales and others.
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