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Silver lining art conservation, llc P.o. box 4390 Austin, Tx 78765 512.695.326 cat_wms@yahoo.com
catherine L. williams objects conservator |
| client | chuck ramsey |
| signature, location | Decal on cantle, saddletree make: joaquin rodriguez fustero plazuela de San pablo n. 1 Mexico stamped in saddle skirt, leather craftsman: devil face and wings with banner: alberto tulan cingo marquez |
| title, date | parade saddle belonging to pancho villa, c. 1860 - 1890. |
| dimensions | 37" h x 31" d x 34" w |
| accessories | wool blanket, wooden saddle stand. |
The saddle is in excellent condition. The extremely high quality of the materials and workmanship employed in the carved saddle tree, the leather, silver, and the embroidery work indicates this a unique saddle created specifically for a very important and well-respected figure. The saddle is signed both by the leather worker and the saddle tree manufacturer, and has monogram in silver of the patron (“PV”) on the pommel and the stirrups. The embroidery technique used to decorate the leather – silver-wrapped threads over leather stumpwork – required a significant amount by an expert craftsman. The expertise to create this kind of embroidery is no longer done, and can be considered a “lost art”.
There are some important signs of use on this saddle that make this a historically important piece: the wear in the top surface of the embroidery of the stirrup leathers where legs would rub, the darkened area on the pommel where a right hand would rest, and the repair and still-broken loop at the front where the saddle skirt is attached to the saddle tree shows this saddle was repeatedly used.
Overall, the condition of the saddle is excellent and the quality of the workmanship is rare and incredibly well-done.
Catherine Williams Objects Conservator Silver Lining Art Conservation, LLC Austin, TX