Years ago a friend of mine with a strong interest in all things US cavalry pre WWII came across a straw filled leather pad that was used on the US Camel Corp saddles at a Wickenburg AZ garage sale. Picked it up for something stupid like $5. Knowing what it was and the rarity of it because while the wood frames for the saddles exist, no known pads have turned up, he called the Smithsonian to see if they were interested in buying it. They declined, but said they’d gladly take it in as a donation. He in turn declined their offer. Many years later he was contacted by them to purchase it. When I asked him how much, he just replied, “a lot” with a grin.
Years ago a friend of mine with a strong interest in all things US cavalry pre WWII came across a straw filled leather pad that was used on the US Camel Corp saddles at a Wickenburg AZ garage sale. Picked it up for something stupid like $5. Knowing what it was and the rarity of it because while the wood frames for the saddles exist, no known pads have turned up, he called the Smithsonian to see if they were interested in buying it. They declined, but said they’d gladly take it in as a donation. He in turn declined their offer. Many years later he was contacted by them to purchase it. When I asked him how much, he just replied, “a lot” with a grin.
(post is archived)