Rare Baird Silver Saddle For Sale

I am selling a rare Floyd Baird Silver Saddle. He was an American saddlemaker, well known in the US for his intricate leather carving. It is still in good shape, with beautiful leather carving and flashy silver and it has an understated, dignified, and comfortable side as well. It is a one-of-a-kind saddle. If you look online you will see that these saddles command high prices and are recognized as collection items. The saddle includes a silver breast collar made of black leather. Floyd Baird had an interesting life. Trained as a leather carver, he pretty much saved the art of leather carving in the US, writing two influential books that are still read today. He traveled widely in Mexico where he was influenced by the Spanish style of saddlery (which you can see in this saddle), picking up the nickname of "El Maestro" (the Teacher or Master) for his skills. In 1935, Baird bought the Brydon Brothers Saddle & Harness Company in Los Angeles (which is why Los Angeles is under the Baird name on this saddle). Brydon Brothers supplied the US military with saddles and tack and also made saddles for early Hollywood movie actors and stars for the Western films produced then. Baird died in 1971. So this saddle is probably at least 60 years old. I love the dark brown of the leather set off by the silver, the intense, intricately carved floral patterns which are complemented by the radiating "suns" of the silver medallions, and the complex design of the medallions themselves, which have a floral design as well and a sun shape. Macrocosm, microcosm. One commentator referred to his style as "busy"... It is all that and much more. Each silver concho is hand engraved and of sterling silver (so around 93% pure silver). There are 5 sizes of conchos, with the large size ones weighing .6 grams of silver. Each one is engraved with the same sun-floral motif. He also used copper and brass in this saddle, which when polished, really set off the earthy leather. There are large brass rings that serve as anchors for the belly straps. This saddle has not been an ornamental showpiece, but has been used for pleasure riding, mostly in the 1970's through the early 1980's. Since then, it has been stored. The underbelly cinch (nonleather) needs to be replaced, it has worn out over the years. This is easy and inexpensive to do as it is an add-on. A few of the silver pieces are missing and there are at least two silver ornaments that are different from the rest that have been added to replace ones that fell off. If you are looking for perfection, this is not it. If, on the other hand, you are looking for character and beauty, with signs of the passing of time in an object, like a favorite old sweater, or a beautiful antique, this is your saddle.