This is an original very ornate saddle made by Charles P. Shipley of Kansas City, Missouri. Shipley (1864-1943) earned his saddlery and harness trade from his hometown of Wooster, Ohio and later in August of 1885, at the age of 21, founded the Charles P. Shipley Saddlery and Mercantile Company of Kansas City with $300 of borrowed capital. In 1915, Shipley bought out the G.A. Bischoff company and in 1916 bought out Oscar Crockett. This example shows a rich and artistic ornate tooled leather floral and leaf typical western design and is wonderfully marked with the early oval “Chas. P. Shipley Maker Kansas City, MO.” along with the number 292. The saddle also shows an excellent square skirt with leather wrapped stirrups, large silver conchos and matched deeply tooled C.P. Shipley saddle bags. This example is similar in design to the Shipley saddle that was made for and used by the famed cowboy, Tom Mix and sold for $10,500 in the Brian Lebel’s 2004 sale. This saddle was valued at over $3,500 by a saddle expert and is one of the fanciest examples from the early days of Shipley offered for sale. The saddle has a 15" seat. Provenance: From the Ladder Ranch & Diamond Bar 7 Brand located just East of Big Timber, Montana near the Montana Crazy Mountains. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.