HOME ABOUT US CONTACTS & ORDERING PRODUCTS   SADDLES   SADDLE ACCESSORIES   BRIDLES   HALTERS   BAGGAGE & FORAGE   KNAPSACKS   ACCOUTREMENTS LEATHER & LEATHER CARE SADDLE FITTING 7-YEARS WAR REVOLUTIONARY WAR WAR OF 1812 AMERICAN CIVIL WAR  Contact Us:         Stuart Lilie, Saddler         130 Mansfield Rd.         Ashford, CT 06278         info@stuartliliesaddles.com         (860) 208 3111	Products - Saddles - 1760s French Junior Officer's Saddle
	In contrast to English saddlery, which became distinctively neat and plain at the tail end of the Seventeenth century, French and most European saddlery retained the old tradition of elaborate saddlery in proportion to one's rank in society or within the army. For officer's saddlery during the Eighteenth century this typically meant quilted mohair upholstery velvet, trimmed in mohair or gold lace. The rank of an officer generally determined the width of lace used to cover seams and bind edges, but very senior officers and generals appear with rows of embroidery taking the place of lace. This particular saddle is typical of late 1760's and 1770's French junior officers' saddlery. The basic style is the Selle Rase, a fox-hunting style without a cantle to allow for a rider to use shorter stirrups when cantering cross-country. Most French cavalry officers, and some officers of other branches of service, show up with this style of saddle rather than the Selle a Royal typical of enlisted dragoon and cavalry saddles. This reproduction is copied from a 1769 technical manual, and 1767 original with real mohair plush velvet and gold metallic lace. It's completely hand-stitched and hand-quilted, built over a French-made tree that is within millimeters of the original dimensions. It's shown with the accompanying holsters, holster caps, and housings which are not included with the saddle. French officer's saddlery generally matched their facing and metal lace colors, call or email for availability and accessories.     These images show detail from the hand-quilting on the seat and skirts For pricing and accessories, call or email