Question on Whitman Saddle

[Runner]

Found an interesting looking saddle in an antique store yesterday. I could not find it in my two books on vintage saddles. It was in black leather and looked a lot like a Skeleton Jennifer saddle. The only marking was a small rectangular plate on the bottom of the cantle that read, "Whitman's Saddle Co." over the word, "Warrented". It had the look of a Civil war era saddle, but it was in almost new condition, certainly not a 100+ years old saddle. It seemed complete minus the girth. Anyone familiar with these? Could it be a new reproduction of a 19th century saddle, or maybe something made for mounted police? The asking price was approx. $325. I have no idea if that is a realistic price or not.

thanks, Frank Crowe

[IowaYank]

Re: Question on Whitman Saddle

Hello, the Whitman saddle, while somewhat similar in general design to a Jenifer, is an Indian Wars saddle. The model year was 1879. Do a simple google search and several different examples all show up. I've seen several that sold on ebay for the upper $300s, so $325 doesn't seem too off for a piece of Indian War saddlery.
Dan

[Runner]

Re: Question on Whitman Saddle

Dan, thank you for the information. I was able to find information on one company that is reproducing this saddle. The one I saw looked to be in nearly new condition. If it is truly an Indian War era survivor, it must have never been issued, I am guessing it is one of the reproductions.

Frank Crowe