Stirrup...

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Fellas, What are your thoughts on this style of stirrup? Period, pre-war, post-war... What type saddle would have they been common on? Etc... Thanks, Zack

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Stirrup...

Zack, that type of block wood stirrup is commonly found on the post war Buena Vista saddles. While I have seen some other saddles with this type stirrup (likely as add-ons) it is very commonly found on original BV's in large enough numbers to be associated with it.
Carved block wood stirrups were common before the war and particularly very popular in the far west (California etc.) or anywhere the Spanish influence was prevelent.


Ken R Knopp

[Outrider]

Re: Stirrup...

Ken, are all buena vista type saddle post war? or does the design pre date the war? forgive me if this has been answerd or discussed before. I may have missed it. I ask because I own an old one that I enjoy riding in but am not sure if it is correct to use in a civilian context. I have heard several opinions going both ways.
All of the ones I see online are a little different from mine in some regards but the basic style and shape is the same. My gut tells me no so I am hesitant to think i could use it at any event and feel good about it .

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Stirrup...

Hey Pat, the Buena Vista patent goes back to the 1880's. There are some other threads around on this saddle that go in to more detail on its history but in my opinion I do not think it would be appropriate to use this saddle for our period. We would probably be stretching credibility by doing so. While it is possible the style goes back further the design of his saddle was unique enough to award it a patent at that time. In short, from my understanding all BV saddles using this design of tree are post war although they varied somewhat in appearance during their long history. Just a note- the company or its affilitates made these saddles right up into the 1960's. IN fact, they are still made today by some makers but not as an offiical BV saddle.

Ken R Knopp

[Outrider]

Re: Stirrup...

Thanks Ken. I thought as much.

[Mark Choate]

Re: Stirrup...

All,

I just got in and saw this thread. I am glad that Paddy asked this question as I too have a nice B.V. that I love to ride from time to time (rode it this afternoon, as a matter of fact). I realize that the patent dates to the 1880's but, Ken, to your knowledge, was the design being manufactured by another group prior to BV establishing the patent? They have similarities to many other older saddles.

Also, my Bueny has a number stamped into the skirt right beside the logo stamp. Is there a method of establishing the saddle's manufacture date based on this number? Mine is in great condition and probably not all that old, but I'd like to find out.

thanks,
Mark

[The Egyptian Homeguard]

Re: Stirrup...

Glad I only paid 15 for it then... I'm going to pattern it for a pair for plantation type I have just for kicks... and if they don't work out I'm out 15 and my time... Thanks, Z