Black Country serial number begins with X?

[Heinz_57]

I just imported a nice Black Country saddle from the UK that has no model, tree, or seat size stamp on the sweat flap - just a serial number. It does have the BC plate and buttons and looks to probably be an older version of the Eden (or maybe a Riley?), so I’m not questioning it’s origin, but I did notice the serial number begins with an X. I know later models made on their hoop tree are designated with an X in the name, but does that apply to the serial numbers as well?

I have sent an email to the company, but have not heard back as of yet.

[outerbanks77]

I think that it does. My hoop tree is not handy, or I’d look for you. When I checked with the company on a saddle serial number, I got a prompt response, so I’m sure you’ll hear from them soon, though they might not have much of any info on an older saddle.

[Dune]

You can also Facebok message the company, I did this with both of my saddles, and their response time was AMAZING. They were able to tell me about a 3rd saddle, which I did not purchase, and it saved both the seller and me time/expense in shipping back and forth.

[joiedevie99]

I believe it does, but you can certainly ask them. They were super nice when I contacted them a few years back.

[Heinz_57]

Well, I did get a reply this morning - but the person said there were too many characters (6 numbers, instead of their normal 4-5). I just replied back with some photos so we’ll see what they say - I know it’s an older saddle, but it doesn’t look ancient. It fits the horse I bought it for, so it’s not urgent, but if I ever need to sell it’d be nice to know the proper specs! It would also be helpful to know what tree/width to look for when I start shopping for a jump saddle.

[Dune]

@Heinz 57

Well, I did get a reply this morning - but the person said there were too many characters (6 numbers, instead of their normal 4-5). I just replied back with some photos so we’ll see what they say - I know it’s an older saddle, but it doesn’t look ancient. It fits the horse I bought it for, so it’s not urgent, but if I ever need to sell it’d be nice to know the proper specs! It would also be helpful to know what tree/width to look for when I start shopping for a jump saddle.

Hmmm, I just sent them pix of the saddles I inquired about as well. They were super helpful. I’ll be curious as to their answer, please update!

[Heinz_57]

@Dune

Hmmm, I just sent them pix of the saddles I inquired about as well. They were super helpful. I’ll be curious as to their answer, please update!

I got a reply yesterday - they said it appears to be quite old, 20 or so years, probably an Eden, but the serial number is not theirs. They couldn’t give me any more info than that. It seems odd that it has no other markings, just the made in England and spring tree, and the Black Country buttons and plates.

Regardless, it’s a pretty unique saddle - dark brown, with a suede seat and knee roll, and a billet configuration I’ve never seen before. It has point billets that come out below the block and rear billets that attach far back on the tree - about as far back as you can get and still be under the flap. I haven’t had a chance to ride in it yet but just sitting on the stand, it’s super comfy. It needs a good conditioning, but given it’s age these things must wear like iron!

[Dune]

@Heinz 57

I got a reply yesterday - they said it appears to be quite old, 20 or so years, probably an Eden, but the serial number is not theirs. They couldn’t give me any more info than that. It seems odd that it has no other markings, just the made in England and spring tree, and the Black Country buttons and plates.

Regardless, it’s a pretty unique saddle - dark brown, with a suede seat and knee roll, and a billet configuration I’ve never seen before. It has point billets that come out below the block and rear billets that attach far back on the tree - about as far back as you can get and still be under the flap. I haven’t had a chance to ride in it yet but just sitting on the stand, it’s super comfy. It needs a good conditioning, but given it’s age these things must wear like iron!

Sounds like a cool find!!!

[joiedevie99]

@Heinz 57

I got a reply yesterday - they said it appears to be quite old, 20 or so years, probably an Eden, but the serial number is not theirs. They couldn’t give me any more info than that. It seems odd that it has no other markings, just the made in England and spring tree, and the Black Country buttons and plates.

Regardless, it’s a pretty unique saddle - dark brown, with a suede seat and knee roll, and a billet configuration I’ve never seen before. It has point billets that come out below the block and rear billets that attach far back on the tree - about as far back as you can get and still be under the flap. I haven’t had a chance to ride in it yet but just sitting on the stand, it’s super comfy. It needs a good conditioning, but given it’s age these things must wear like iron!

I’ve heard of saddle fitters changing buttons to their own when they do significant work on the saddle. Not recently, but it appears to have happened to an Niedersuss that a County rep overhauled some 20 years ago. Saddle had a Niedersuss stamp under the flap, but County buttons and plates.