Forums at The Military Horse

Hello,

I'm curious if someone could provide some info on this officers saddle and perhaps what it is worth? My father will be 93 next month and has been asking for years for one of us to look into what his old saddle is worth. Wants to put it in good hands and could use the extra money. From other saddles I've been seeing online, his looks to be in super condition. I don't recall him ever using this one, as it had always been inside the house in one room or another when I was a kid. Had me condition it for him a couple times, but that was about 40 years ago. Some images below. If there are typical markings in other places I should hunt for, please let me know.

Thanks a bunch for any help you can provide!

Best Regards,

Don Carpenter

What you have as you already know is a M1917 officers field saddle. It looksto be in nice condition. The brass tag shows that it was manufactured at the Jefferson Quartermaster Depot in 1922. If all 6 of the girth adjusters are present and there are no open seams or surface damage you're looking at a retail value of about $350-400. The girth hoever is a different story. It may be worth more than the saddle. THE AMERICAN MILITARY SADDLE 1776-1945 shows an arsenal photo of the equipment issued with the M1917 saddle with what appears to be the same girth in your photo. Itis described as "However the girth shown is probably experimentaland is thought tohave been discontinued and replaced". I'd like to hear opinions from other members. I've been collecting for over 40 years and have never come across one. I could be wrong but it looks like you have rare piece of turn of the century cavalry equipment.
Best, George.

Hi George,

Thank you for the reply! I'll pop over to dad's to get more pics of the girth and adjusters. Will also ask him some questions about it. Will be a few days though, as I'm sick and don't want him catching anything.

Best Regards,

Don Carpenter

Don,
Glad I was able to provide you with some information on yourdads saddle. Check to see if there are any markings stamped into the leather of the girth. I'd be interested in what you find.
Best, George