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Helena Saddlery & Tent Co. Custom Saddle c. 1970's

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:225.00 USD Estimated At:750.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Helena Saddlery & Tent Co. Custom Saddle c. 1970's
Featured in this lot is this Helena Saddlery & Tent Co. custom saddle circa 1970's. The saddle is wonderfully and professionally crafted leather construction that features a beautifully tooled section adorning the seat jockey and fenders with tooling to the top of the seat and to the backing of the skirt. The back cinch is tooled with floral decoration and shows a standard leather wrapped stirrups. The saddle is marked with the Helena Saddlery & Tent Co. makers mark on the seat just below the horn. From the estate collection of Lloyd Kent and Phyllis DeVore passed owners of the historic DeVore’s Saddlery Helena, Montana. Helena Saddlery of Helena, MONT. Was founded in 1890 and was the predecessor to DeVore Saddlery. Upon Lloyd Kent DeVore’s (also referred to as L. Kent) college graduation he purchased his father Lloyd’s business, the Helena Saddlery and Tent on Lawrence Street, and renamed it DeVore’s Saddlery in circa 1950. Kent learned his craft from some local greats such as Jack Miller and George Hargrave who also worked for DeVore’s. Both L. Kent and his bride Phyllis have since passed away and these pieces are being offered by the family estate. The condition of this saddle is good with no obvious signs of damage and shows good overall condition. The measurements of this saddle 34" x 16" x 25" and the measurements of the seat is 13 3/4".