For auction in this lot is a custom saddle, crafted by Jack Connolly, one of three sons of renowned tack maker - John Connolly. The three Connolly sons (Jack, Andrew, and Pat) split with their father in 1907 to relocate to Butte, Montana, which was the start up location of the first Connolly Bros Harness Shop. In 1912, Jack and Pat moved on to Billings, where Jack was credited with expanding the business into saddle manufacture. In the year of the stock market crash, which led to the Great Depression (1929), Jack moved himself to Livingston, Montana, where Jack Connolly Saddlery was formed. The saddle offered in this lot is a standard for Jacks custom Western style saddles, showcasing double stacked leather conchos, gorgeous brass and copper rigging dees, and tacks, and wonderful floral tooling on the seat rise. The saddle is additionally decorated with linear tooling, accentuating the edges of the seat, fenders, and the rear skirt of the saddle. The piece is finished off with Jacks makers mark on the seat rise, reading "Jack Connolly - Livingston, MONT". Underneath the skirts, you can see Jacks patent, reading "PAT2008977". This saddle is offered to us from the renowned Western collection of Bud Chapman, from Bozeman, Montana. The saddle was crafted between 1929 and 1950, and shows good condition overall, with light scattered scraps, and a matted undercarriage. However, the saddle shows rich, hydrated leather, absent of major cracking. The saddle utilizes a 14" seat. 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.