Does anyone have any information about a Parade- Saddle maker from Long Beach California. Name is William Gustavsen (son?). Any info would be appreciated.

you might try this site:

http://www.pvsaddleshop.com/COLLECTIBLES.htm

also, just google parade saddles and you will find lots of sites that might help

betsey

Thanks Betsey--I have spent quite a bit of time this afternoon googling, but haven't even been able to find his name in relation to anything. Thats why I tried WH for an expanded audience. I have e-mailed several collectors and I believe one is the site you gave me. I remember looking at the saddles!!!

Wm. T Gustavsen was in Long Beach in the 40's and 50's. It was called Gustavsen Saddlery. Hope this helps. Greg

Thanks Greg-- I'll see what I can find on that information.

Greg—I did find an e-bay Gustavsen saddle that had sold in June. After reading your posting on the other subject, you seem to have a great deal of knowledge, so I’m going to ask another question. Do you know if anyone has any records of clients of Gustaven or more history of Gustavsen himself. Be interesting to know about him.

The saddle sold in June on E-bay had initials on the taps that purportedly were Gorden Lightfoot’s. The saddle I’m researching has the initials REH on the taps and it would be great if we had some idea whose initials those were.

That saddle actualy was in the Cody Old West auction some how or other they can tie the live auction in with ebay. I don't know much more about Gustevsen. If you were able to get ahold of someone in the archive or public records division with the city of Long Beach or a museum in that area they might be able to provide you with more info. Infact if you want to PM me I can give you a phone number at the Gene Autry museum in the L.A. area they could probably fill in some blaks. Greg

Thanks Greg and everyone---I have way more information that I had yesterday when I posted. I think there is someone in California that will carry this research on. I’m really curious about the initials on the taps now. I didn’t know about those yesterday

I’m looking forward to seeing this saddle. Apparently it is a complete rig—saddle, bridle, breast collar, and holsters to match and a corona roll pad. Others are impressed with the workmanship on the saddle. Hope we can learn more about the maker.

Again—thanks for your help. I need to leave this now and get back to doing my job!!!

hello, you wrote this last year and I was wondering if you had any more detailed information? I just bought a Gustaven saddle last week at an auction and can't find any info on this saddle. thanks