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Beautiful and well-preserved vintage Keyston Bros. western saddle featuring extensive
pictorial Southwestern cactus and desert tooling, decorative silver-colored mounts, a
distinctive horse ornament on the horn, and an engraved original-owner nameplate.
This exceptional Western collectible has remained within the same family since
itsoriginal purchase,believed to have been during the 1940s.
Maker and craftsmanship
Manufactured by Keyston Bros., San Francisco, California
Distinctive features include:
Extensive hand-tooled cactus and Southwestern desert scenes throughout the saddle.
Detailed pictorial tooling on the cantle, jockeys, skirts and other leather components.
Rich reddish-brown leather with an attractive aged patina.
Numerous decorative silver-colored conchos and mounts
Distinctive silver-colored horse ornament mounted on the saddle horn.
Engraved original-owner nameplate on the rear cantle.
Keyston Bros. San Francisco maker\'s stamp with running-horse trademark.
Matching number 1128 stamped in two locations underneath the saddle.
Girth included and leather braided reins.
The decorative metalwork is original to the saddle. Silver content has not been professionally tested. The purpose of the stamped number 1128 has not been established. see pictures.
Original ownership and family provenance
This saddle was originally owned by Christian Carl Buehler, who lived with his family in the Barrington, Illinois, area during the 1940s.
The Buehler family participated in the area\'s active equestrian community. Family history and photographs document their riding activities, including involvement with local riding and hunt traditions.
The saddle retains its original owner\'s engraved nameplate and has remained within the Buehler family since its original purchase.
The saddle presents in excellent apparent vintage condition, with beautifully preserved pictorial tooling and an attractive, rich leather patina.
According to family history, it has seen little use since approximately the 1950s and has been stored for many decades.
Age-related wear and natural variations in the leather should be expected. No professional structural or riding-safety inspection has been performed.
Offered as a collectible Western Americana saddle, not represented as ready for riding.
Please examine the photographs carefully for details of condition and craftsmanship.
Identification and measurements
Maker: Keyston Bros., San Francisco, California
Approximate age: Circa 1940s, based on family history
Seat size: Approximately 14 inches (measurement not independently confirmed)
Stamped number: 1128, appearing in two locations underneath the saddle -see pictures
Leather: Reddish-brown with extensive pictorial cactus/desert tooling
Decorative mounts: Silver-colored metal; composition unverified
Provenance: Descended through the original owner\'s family
Overall skirt length: Measurement available upon request
Shipping and pickup
Local pickup is preferred due to the saddle\'s age, weight and collectible nature.
Professional packing and insured shipping may be arranged at the buyer\'s expense, with costs and arrangements confirmed before shipment, estimate will be provided to buyer depending on shipping destination.
A distinctive opportunity to acquire a pictorially tooled Keyston Bros. western saddle with identifiable original-owner provenance and a longstanding family history.
Please ask any questions and thanks for looking.
Note: cactus saddle rack is NOT included.
