what is this?

[Doughboy]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-McClellan-Military-Calvary-Old-Vintage-Saddle-/370464715099?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56416af15b

Thanks

[Mike_Schramm]

Re: what is this?

First impression it looks like an Aussie saddle to me.





But I will defer to the resident RainMen around these parts.

[Mark Choate]

Re: what is this?

Christopher,

That is a good question and Mike's answer is a good shot at it. My only counter to the Aussie is the thigh rolls on an Australian saddle are extremely prominent as Mike's photo backs up. I cannot really see that prominence in your example. To me it reeks of another Morgan Muley style of saddle. There were scores of saddles similar to that shape and design that were made by small and in some cases, obscure saddle makers. There was the Richardson, the Washington, the McBride, etc. all having such a similar build. There are good photos in Ken's site of many of these and it could help you. Go to this link and take a look:

http://confederatesaddles.com/cswp/?...=792&nggpage=2

Thanks for sharing this and if others have ideas, please jump in.

Mark

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: what is this?

I don't know, but it does look like an early Australian... maybe it's a really early one. Ken? It'd be nice to see a front and rear view too... Thanks for the sharing. Zack

[D.W. Scalf]

Re: what is this?

Zack,

Go to the actual ebay lisiting. Lots of photos there. As an American living in Australia, it looks Australian to me too.

[TexCavly]

Re: what is this?

Aussie saddles usually have stuffed panels though. That Aussie you showed is what they call a Southern Cross Poley or halfbreed; Aussie x American. So I'd say Lt. Choate is on the right track.