What Would You Pay for this Saddle?

[GrungeEquestrian]

So I plan on purchasing a saddle of my aunt's. It was made by a mule breeder back in the 1950's and my aunt bought it for her Appaloosa. Now it doesn't fit any of her horses and she wanted to sell it at an auction but never got around to it.

My old saddle no longer fits my mare and this one is a great fit. My aunt has been just letting me use it and really just wants me to have it. However, she does a lot for me and it's only fair to buy the saddle from her. I plan on just giving her cash for it and not accept it back.

So any opinions on how much you would pay for it? I'm horrible at pricing. It is in great shape, a few cosmetic things here and there, a wood tree and very nice leather and tooling. The tassels need to be replaced as well as the latigo.

http://i55.tinypic.com/ounpxf.jpg

[Buckpoco]

I guess the first thought that comes to my mind is one-fifty to two-fifty...the saddles with no well known brand names don't sell for too much money...just my opinion.

[zoel_222]

I guess the first thought that comes to my mind is one-fifty to two-fifty...the saddles with no well known brand names don't sell for too much money...just my opinion.

I'd say that about the newer brandless saddles for sure, but it seems like the older ones were better built and are worth more. My neighbor has a bunch of the handmade brandless saddles made around the 1950s and they're all nice saddles. I'd say $300.

[Tiz]

" My aunt has been just letting me use it and really just wants me to have it."

If she wants you to have it, just accept it gratefully. I'm sure that's all she wants for it.

[natisha]

If that saddle looks that good after 60 years I'd say it is a good one. Accept the gift & be eternally grateful.

[vicklynn]

" My aunt has been just letting me use it and really just wants me to have it."

If she wants you to have it, just accept it gratefully. I'm sure that's all she wants for it.
As an Aunt, if I were trying to give it to you, it was for a reason and cash is not one of them. Aunts love to give...I know I do.

[miatapony]

I would be offended by my niece if i wanted to give her something and she thought she had to pay me for it.. hun look her in the eyes and say thank you ... love ever min.. with it .. and her... that is a great Aunt you have there.

[AppyLady]

I gave saddles to my niece and nephew, and didn't expect nor want any payment. Just accept it.

[Tiz]

See? Now, clean the saddle all pretty, and show it off to your Aunt. It will make her happy to see it so well loved.:)

[WashingtonBay]

It is a beautiful saddle and looks to be in great shape. I can tell its maker was an artist and a craftsman. :)

And I agree it's a great fit.

[Remali]

That's a beautiful saddle. I agree, accept it, she wants you to have it.... if you want to do something for your aunt tho, maybe take her out to eat at her favorite restaurant, or something like that?

[GrungeEquestrian]

Thanks everyone but I feel I need to give her something much more than a "thank you you're the best." My aunt and uncle after a year haven't been able to sell their other house and are struggling financially. They are selling a lot of their surplus stuff and cutting back quite a bit. I feel like it would help them out a lot, she would have sold it if it didn't fit Trouble. :(

I do have a wonderful wonderful aunt. She is so supportive, has bent over backwards for me and got me into horses at a very young again.

[vicklynn]

Then give her 50 bucks and take them to dinner.

[WashingtonBay]

Thanks everyone but I feel I need to give her something much more than a "thank you you're the best." My aunt and uncle after a year haven't been able to sell their other house and are struggling financially. They are selling a lot of their surplus stuff and cutting back quite a bit. I feel like it would help them out a lot, she would have sold it if it didn't fit Trouble. :(

I do have a wonderful wonderful aunt. She is so supportive, has bent over backwards for me and got me into horses at a very young again.

Ask her to tell you what it's worth then, or take it, together, to a tack shop and have it appraised. - I like that idea. You don't want to lowball her, find out what it's really worth and then see if you can afford it! If not... she can know what to ask for it. :)

[Tiz]

That changes everything, doesn't it? If you can afford top dollar, give her top dollar($200-$250?). Tell her you know that she would have rather given it to you, but you're very happy to help her, and your uncle as much as you can. That's what family does.:)

[GrungeEquestrian]

I'm a hoarder so I can definitely pay what it is worth. There is a local tack shop that does consignments so I can also take it in there and see what they believe its worth. I know my aunt is going to be reluctant in accepting it, but I'll remind her that if that saddle hadn't fit I would have had purchased another saddle.

Thanks for all the advice everyone :).

[Tiz]

There you go. Best plan yet.:)