M.M. MFG CO. SIDESADDLE
This saddle was manufactured by Montgomery Moore Manufacturing Company between 1894 and 1914, in Nashville, TN. They were one of the largest saddle and harness manufacturing companies in the South during the era. They owned and operated a 24,000 square foot building constructed specifically for their business. Today, the building is named "The Quarters", and is home to condos overlooking downtown Nashville and the Cumberland River.
VICTORIAN COW HORN SIDESADDLE
Like many Victorian Era sidesaddles, they were mass produced and advertised in catalogues. Unless they were manufactured by a large company, their makers went unknown. The saddle was said to have been used in jumping competitions in the early 1800s. That is particularly impressive considering the saddle does not have a leaping horn, however not impossible. The saddle was acquired from the original owner's descendants.
VICTORIAN SIDESADDLE #24
The majority of mass produced Victorian Era sidesaddles were given numbers on the small nearside skirt, which typically suggested their model number. Though this saddle does not have a maker's mark, it does have the number 24.
It was common for these saddles to be painted in vibrant colors. It was my personal decision to paint both Victorian saddles in "tamer" colors: Navy blue, gold and bronze. Originally this saddle was painted with red and blue.