Side Saddle
Side Saddle showing pommel
Name/Title
Side SaddleEntry/Object ID
2025.1.370Description
Leather side saddle. There are two makers marks on the saddle - Whippy and Stegall & Co., and Champion and Wilton.Context
The saddle was made by Whippy and Stegall & Co., North Audley St., London pre-1940 probably between 1920-30. Whippy Stegall suffered bomb damage during 1943 and Champion and Wilton took over their order book, patterns etc. Whippy & Stegall did not give their saddles serial numbers. (This saddle has no number). At some point after Whippy & Stegall ceased trading this saddle was serviced and repaired by Champion & Wilton of 457-459 Oxford Street, (see photograph). This may have been when Champion and Wilton stamped their name and address on the near side flap. It is possible that both the rear and offside flap were replaced by Champion & Wilton. At the same time the offside flap was converted from inside girthing to outside girthing hence the two girth straps now lying above the flap, (see photograph). Both firms started trading in central London in the late 1700s and have a history a providing harness and saddles for the very highest echelons of society - state and general, supplying Kings and Queens from Queen Victoria to the Elizabeth II and other Royal Families abroad. (With many thanks to Nick Creaton for the above information).Category
Horse Welfare and Farriers, Occupation
Animal Husbandry