How to Find the Maker of a Western Saddle

Check the entire saddle for a maker's mark.

When it comes to western saddles, the maker can have a huge impact on both the quality and the resale value. Saddles by famous makers like Tex Tan, Circle Y, Billy Cook and Billy Royal are always in demand, and that means they are much more valuable than plain western saddles that bear no maker's mark. Since different saddle makers place their maker's marks in different spots on the saddle, determining who made the saddle means knowing where to look.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight

Instructions

1. Check the bottom of the stirrup fenders, just above where the stirrup attaches. The Tex Tan saddlery places its maker's mark on the right hand side of each fender, and many other saddle makers do as well. Hereford model Tex Tan saddles feature a picture of a bull on this part of the saddle.

2. Look at the area just behind the saddle horn. Many saddle makers place their maker's marks in this area. Circle Y saddles often feature a small decal at the very front of the saddle seat.

3. Look for a maker's mark on the small piece of leather designed to hold the excess leather of the cinch. This area is near the front of the saddle. This area tends to wear a lot, so you may need a flashlight or some bright light to read the maker's mark.

4. Check the top of the saddle horn for a maker's mark. Some modern saddle makers place a silver decal or similar mark directly on the saddle horn.

References

• Circle Y: Saddles
• Leatherworker: Tex Tan History