Determining the value of antique and vintage saddlery / tack.?

Question

How would you go about determining the value of antique and vintage tack for insurance purposes?

Does anyone know if this type of service is even available?

Answer 1

Good question and thank you, Hoofprints for mailing me this link.  

The easiest way might be to contact the Gene Autry Museum or if it's SILVER, George Pitman (He has a silver saddle/equipment museum.).  Without pictures it's rather hard to tell you where to take them.  There's a saddle shop in Castro Valley who has stacks and stacks of vintage saddles in an old converted mobile office that had me drooling last year.

On your tack, you need maker's marks, they need to be in good/pristine condition to be worth anything more than wall mountings.

Answer 2

That is a great question. I have a few I would like to know their value.

I got one a couple weeks ago

It says Montezuma son saddlery on it. I

I have not been able to find out anything about it, so I am curious as to who answers.

Probably the "saddle guru" will know !

Edit to 1crossmare-

Thanks, but its custom harness from Smucker's and my Fathers pride and joy.....I think we will be keeping it for a while yet.

Ours is similar to these: Just more of it.

http://www.smuckersharness.com/pg17.html

Edit to 1 crossmare:

We had many beautiful photographs from years ago and trophies too (back when they actually gave out trophies), but not anymore.

I helped my father sell our family farm after my parents retired from raising fancy ponies and my mothers passing. We had liquidated the stock and sold the big property, before taking over the smaller farm where we are now. During the time all this was happening, we put much of our things in storage. We lost a large majority of it in the last flood, or they were damaged beyond salvation. It was a crushing blow to my dad. Literally his whole show/breeding/driving career washed away. I cry when I think about it. Anyway, thats the long and short of it. If I come up with anything, I will try to post it.

Answer 3

One good resource for determining value of horse-related antiques is to consult with a specialized auction house like Martin Auctioneers in Pennsylvania.  There are a few dealers that specialize in horse related antiques.  You can google "antique tack" or "antique saddles" and get some leads.

Answer 4

first thing you need to do is find out the brand of the saddle and the tack,then find out thru the manufacturer(if they are still around)the model and how many they made in that model and trim.there are vintage saddle and tack shows that go around and it depends on where you live.some good information on assessors can be found at the national bit spur and saddle collectors association (nbssca) and for a small fee they will send you a directory of assessors or you can look up the events calendar on their page and see if there is a show around you.

BO: i couldnt find anything about montezuma son saddlery.a lot of saddles were made in colorado and we have montezuma county near cortez colorado.there also is a town called montezuma in iowa.

Answer 5

Good question! I have no answer but I sure want to learn!

****edit*****

Thank you!!!! I can't make up my mind!! LOL

******edit******

I'm sorry BO!!! That is soooo sad!!!!!

Answer 6

I remember when eBaying--I would come across some vintage items....that could be a start. You could use search terms..antique, vintage, (duh to me)!! Other than that..google??

Good Luck on your quest!!

Answer 7

Have you tried googleing for antique appraisers in your area and then weeding them out to determine who is qualified to appraise your type of antiques?

I know from some of your past posts that you are in NJ. Have you tried the Davis Rago auction house in Lambertville? They might have suggestions for you.

Best of luck.

Edit to Bohemian

that is a heartbreaking story. my condolences.