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  REMARKABLE SET OF SALESMAN'S SAMPLE HORSE SADDLES AND COLLARS, WITH ACCOMPANYING ITEMS, CA 1890-1920
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REMARKABLE SET OF SALESMAN'S SAMPLE HORSE SADDLES AND COLLARS, WITH ACCOMPANYING ITEMS, CA 1890-1920:

These fantastic miniature horse saddles (2) and collars (3) are salesman's samples from the Heck Saddlery Co. in California, Missouri. As with many early salesman sample items, the workmanship is extraordinary. Accompanying them is a tiny leather cowboy hat, and advertising mirror, and two Heck Saddlery catalogues.

Made of leather, calfskin, metal, felted wool and wool tape, the elaborate Western style saddles are the gems of the group, though the graduated set of collars is a close second, the largest with a leather strap-sewn, reinforced border; all with tiny metal buckles and no detail overlooked. The hat, possibly made a bit later than the rest of the lot, is more rudimentary but well-molded and a nice addition. The press-decorated mirror would have been a premium for dealers and ranchers. One catalogue dates from around 1880-1900 and the other is specifically dated 1952. Some of the illustrations in the former are great, such as the buggy whips on pages 164-166, which have fancy labels with names like "Rocket", "Jumbo", "Carnival", "Shamrock", "Knickerbocker", "Farmer's Special", and my favorite, "Very Hot Stuff".

Based on materials, quality, and gut instinct, the saddles and collars probably date to the period between 1890 and 1920, though it's difficult to be entirely certain. The Heck Saddlery is a historic landmark in the town of California. The original owner, William Heck, seems to have passed in 1930 and I expect it was founded in the 1870's.

Condition: Excellent, with no significant condition issues.
   
Primary Color: brown
Earliest Date: 1890
Latest Date: 1920
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
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