Lot 472: Visalia Quarter Scale Miniature Saddle on Stand, c. 1935

Miniature presentation saddle, made by the Visalia Stock Saddle Company, San Francisco, circa 1935. Features decorative floral carving, original fleece lining, and raised silver or gold applied horsehead on the horn cap. Engraved silver medallions to each saddle string with three more adorning the long monkey-nose tapaderos. Saddle is displayed on a custom-made solid oak stand secured by a miniature braided natural black and white horsehair cinch. The stand sits atop a floral carved leather base with the original recipient’s name (Peter B. Kyne) tooled into the leather and a Visalia Stock Saddle Co S.F. oval plaque inset in the leather seat. A sterling silver plaque is inscribed to Peter B. Kyne. 13 in. H overall with a 4 in. seat, 3 3/4 in. high cantle. Note: The presentation inscription is believed to refer to Peter B. Kyne (1880-1957), a San Francisco-born novelist. Kyne was raised on his father’s cattle ranch where he worked before attending college. He published a number of mostly Western and sporting-themed books between 1904 and 1940.  Several of his novels were made into screenplays during the silent film era, including “The Three Godfathers”. 

PROVENANCE: Private Southern Collection.

CONDITION: Overall good condition. Scattered spots of wear to leather, primarily at edges and near horn, with losses up to 1/4 in. Some craquelure to leather seat. Some wear and losses to fleece.