259

Simón Bolívar Saddle & Accessories

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:50,000.00 - 100,000.00 USD
Simón Bolívar Saddle & Accessories
THE SADDLE: This remarkable silver-mounted, black leather saddle and bridle were presented in 1825 to the world-renowned Liberator of South America, Simón Bolívar. Nearly 200 years old, they are nearly complete (the stirrup leathers and portions of the saddle pad have been restored and reinforced over the years) and in remarkable condition for their age. In addition to a period letter documenting the ownership, the saddle bears not only Bolívar’s name in silver, but also the date and town in which it was presented to him. The saddle resembles the old Spanish jineta style. The sides are bordered in a double buck-stitch pattern. The bowed front and matching cantle are each mounted in heavy silver, and engraved in a floral motif. The front plate reads, AL LIBERTADOR SIMÓN BOLÍVAR in applied letters, and features two applied silver horsemen and an eagle, with an articulated and engraved silver hook. The cantle plate reads, POTOSI 1825, and features an applied coat of arms. The stirrups are of wood, completely covered with heavy silver, with the applied initials SB and lion’s-head disk, and bordered in an engraved floral motif. Around each stirrup leather is a heavy 5” ferrule of applied and engraved silver. The underskirt is also of black leather, with dramatic forward and backward sweeping corners. In each is a triangular patch of spotted animal fur, and a tip of engraved silver. Includes custom made saddle stand; THE BRIDLE: The highly decorative bridle features two brow bands and a nose band. The top band is joined in the center by a large, hand-worked and engraved five-point silver star, suspended from which are two silver ferrules and 6” leather fringes. The lower brow band is joined in the center by a large silver disk with the applied initials SB and a single 7” cluster of fringe. Two of the bands, as well as the cheek pieces, are decorated along their entire lengths with rows of worked and engraved silver flowers, and all buckles are silver. The age-appropriate bit, mouthpiece, rings and chain are constructed of hand-forged iron. The reins are of the period are braided and knotted rawhide. Condition of silver is very good. Bridle leather has undergone repairs and restoration over the past 190 years and is in fair condition; THE TRUNK: The trunk that accompanies the saddle and bridle measures 13” x 14” x 24” and is constructed entirely of cowhide, bound and extensively decorated with rawhide lacing. Side handles are also of rawhide and the trunk is secured by original hand-forged iron hasp and ring. Remants of animal hair are evident throughout. On underside of lid is 4” x 8” paper label, reading: Republica de Columia - Simón Bolívar - Liberator Presidente de la Republica etc. etc. etc. Trunk is complete and in excellent condition, given its age. A portion of the proceeds from this lot will be donated by the consignor directly to Triple R Horse Rescue of Arizona in Cave Creek, Arizona! Includes photocopy of original letter and translation