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Karl's Saddle with Don Ellis Silver & Gold

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:60,000.00 - 80,000.00 USD
Karl's Saddle with Don Ellis Silver & Gold
Dazzling brown, floral carved, sterling silver and 14k gold diamond pattern parade saddle with matching bridle, oversized breast collar, monstrous serape and tapaderos made by Karl's of Seattle and mounted with Don Ellis heavy gauge sterling silver conchos. The saddle was made for Lyle Cobb and his name is scripted in raised gold lettering on the back of the cantle plate. This saddle is a special order variation of the Dr. Nickelsen model as pictured in Karl's late 1940s/early 1950s saddlery flyer. The most stunning aspect of the ensemble are the extraordinary three-tiered domed conchos - some with gold horseheads.

PROVENANCE: Richard Shrake Collection


Don Ellis (1913-1969)
Grew up in Seattle where he was a self-taught silversmith and engraver. During his younger years as a rodeo rider, Don created his first rodeo trophy buckle for Ellensburg Washington events. By the 1940s he was making silver saddles as well as gold and silver buckles. In the early 1950s Don created the lavish gold and silver presentation buckles for the Rodeo Cowboy Association and completed the Wes Williams saddle that is on display at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, which is embellished with over 50 pounds of sterling silver, gold figures and a gold and silver horsehead saddle horn.

Karl's Saddle & Silversmith Co was located at 2401 7th Ave in Seattle, Washington in the old industrial district of the City. They were considered the Edward H. Bohlin of the Northwest, renowned for their
exquisite saddles adorned with Don Ellis sterling silver mountings.