1870 Mclellan Saddle - seems like a no brainer

[RevWarNewbie]

lm new at this, a rev war buff  and have been buying Rev War relics for a few months now, my interest is gaining speed rapidly.  I haven't done any real 'hunting' yet, but I stumbled across an old gentleman selling an 1870 Mclellan Saddle for $85.  To go see it is a 45 minute drive, all he can tell me is its the 'real deal, all there, leather intact'.  Outside of my expertise in a number of ways, someone convince me that I'm crazy not to drive out there with $85.  Seems like a no-brainer, right?

[KC]

Do your homework a little - check out this site?

http://www.rsdmilitaria.com/item.php?id=200&catID=4&offset=0
http://www.rsdmilitaria.com/item.php?id=2115&catID=4&offset=0

If there is a way verify authenticity....GO FOR IT!

[ironlord1963]

     It would of course be nice to see if he can send you pics of the item first.  But Sounds like $85.00 could be a good deal and 45 min drive today is what many commute to work each day.  Maybe to make it worth your time see if he had any other items you may intrested in, check the local Antique shops and thrift stores and make it a tresure hunting day.  I drive that far to a wonderful thrift shop now and then to buy $50.00 worth of crap that will never sell on ebay. .  You only live once and if it turns out good you win.  If not well you win with experice and a pleasure hunting trip.

[RevWarNewbie]

I like that advice ironlord!  Im going to go get it.  From the research I've done, absolute worst case scenario if the thing is really beat up I should still break even.  I'll post some pictures and results tomorrow.

[sapphire]

Rev, don't know a thing about saddles so I'm no help there. But have to agree with the others.....you only live once 

Came across this one being sold.....if the one you're going to see is anywhere near this condition, I'd say your trip was worth it.

http://www.goantiques.com/detail,saddle-mcclellan-calvery,1913691.html

[talesofthesevenseas]

I've driven a couple of hours for lesser deals. It's full of history and unless it's completely trashed, $85 sounds like a decent price to pay for the history factor alone.

Also keep in mind when you see it that a good, high-quality oil saddle soap can help restore the moisture and flexibility to very dry leather. Go to your local equestrian/western/feed store and ask their advice. I'm not an expert so others please chime in on this, but with dry leather I believe it is more important to preserve it from further deterioration than to keep it in "original" and likely brittle condition if it hasn't be regularly maintained. Leather dries out pretty fast, I used to clean and oil my tack about every six months or so. But I have never attempted to rehydrate an antique, so maybe someone here has some experience with that.

[railman44]

I'm guessing but I'd look for a saddle maker's mark or signature.  Many times it's hidden.  Even if the saddle is a bust, many times 'old gents' sometimes have more goodies or know where they are.  

[cogar]

I'm curious, iffen you're looking to be buying Rev War relics then why the Civil War saddle?

[hosman321]

I was gonna ask the same question cogar. But I didn't know how to word it without sounding rude.

[D&b antiques]

 ;DJust one big word. PROFIT !

[KC]

I was wondering the same myself - just decided to let one of you others be rude this time!    Just Kidding - very relevant question!  Very honest answer from D&b!

[RevWarNewbie]

If your wondering why I am buying it, the one gentleman got it right, strictly to buy it and resell it for profit.  If it were rev-war era, first of all it would be worth fortune, and it would be real tough for me to sell it all because I love items from the period.  This is just one of those opportunities that looks like easy money.

For the record guys, the snow here caused me to fall way behind today so I'm going to try and pick it up tomorrow.  I'll let you know how it goes.

[hosman321]

Revwarnewbie,
We're weren't questioning why you would buy it, I'm sure it's super cool. We were just a little confused because you said you are really into revolutionary war items but then talked about this saddle. And this saddle is from the civil war era, not revolutionary war. Didn't want to sound like we were attacking you, just confused.

[RevWarNewbie]

No problem hosman, it was a legit question I wasn't offended, just wanted to answer it 

[KC]

In other words....we are nosy here!