Old BONA ALLEN 14" pony saddle Roper NO RESERVE

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Vintage 1940's era BONA ALLEN Pony Saddle for Roping Vintage, signed BONA ALLEN roping saddle, for a teenager/pony 14", complete provenance, in used condition, from the 1940's (possibly earlier), listed with NO RESERVE! I have been saving this for awhile, it has been in my possesion since 1997. Many of you that have been following our auctions know that my passion is Japanese antiques; however I grew up on a farm in Virginia w we kept horses. At about 14 I discovered motorcycles and quit riding, but my sister (who is two years younger than me) continued to ride into her early 20's. This was her saddle, prior to that it was my mothers saddle, and prior to that it was my great-Aunts. NEVER BEFORE OFFERED FOR SALE!! My mother was born in 1944-this saddle was used in 1949 when my great-aunt passed it down to my mother. (I am not sure w the aunt got the saddle, I have heard it was used when she got it!) My mother used it for many years until she was in her mid-teens and acquired a full sized saddle to go with her full sized horse. It sat in the storeroom until the late 1960's when it was passed down to my sister. My sister roped, barrel raced, keyholed, and rode in numerous parades. She won many ribbons and trophies using this saddle on her large pony Chief between the years of 1970 and 1976. (Sadly, Chief died in 1980 right in front of me). This saddle served my sister very well-she was well known as an exceptional roper at all the saddle club shows throughout Central and Southeastern Virginia. She graduated to a full sized saddle and horse about 1977, and once again the saddle went into storage. I ended it up with it in 1997 because my mom sold the farm, dispersed the contents, and my sister said it brought back sad memories. (It was also hoped that my grand-daughter would ride, but alas she likes motorcycles too.) ALL names and other pertinant information will be provided in writing to the high bidder only. The Bona Allen name is synonomous with quality. Hand-tooled, well made, they have been making saddles since 1873. For 75 years they have been located in Buford, Georgia. This saddle features an old wooden tree (not fiberglass or other material!) It is hand-tooled, very subtle decoration-it pre-dates the flash of the late 1940's and 1950's movie Westerns. The stirrups are original, they are bent oak, leather and galvanized tin. I have been told that it is possible that the saddle may even be from the 1920's, I am sure an authority would know. As seen in photo #3, the distictive Bona Allen BA in a circle brand is on the seat near the saddle horn. Around the circle stamp it reads: Service Established 1873 , inside is the BA . CONDITION: 99.5% ALL ORIGINAL! As acquired. Used for at least 75 years, if not more. Minor repairs to original cinch straps. Three of the four original nickle-silver conchos are missing, one is present so that it can be used to get authentic replacements. The original LEATHER concho spacers are still t As seen in the photos, the saddle horn shows distinct wear from roping use-this was a working saddle! Needs a cinch. Leather is still supple-NO DRY ROT! NO ROT AT ALL! Scratches all over, some will buff out, others may not. The sheeps skin underneath will need to be replaced throughout. All of the buckles and rings were originally silver coated-a lot of the silver wore away long before my sister got the saddle in the late '60's. This saddle was loved, used, and is still a functional saddle for a serious rider. It will serve a young girl or boy very well, keep the tradition going! Why buy a fancy PLASTIC saddle when you can get the real thing for your child, one with a legitimate, verifiable history!. MEASUREMENTS: 14" seat. About 24" long over all. Stirrups and cinch of course are adjustable for even the shortest or lankiest cowboy/girl. Will fit a large pony or a small horse (like a Pinto, etc.) Any other measurem... read more

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