Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1493:
Description
A rare and highly desirable collector’s piece of Illinois history: this set of three iconic Western saddle bar stools were fixtures in the Sarsaparilla Saloon at the legendary Clayton’s Gold Nugget / Donley’s Wild West Town in Union, IL, which entertained visitors from 1974 until its closure in 2019. This grouping includes mixed styles of antique-look Western saddles—one of which is a lighter brown leather with distinct floral/basket-weave tooling, and at least one darker, parade-style saddle with metallic accents. These vintage saddles are mounted on custom-fabricated black metal pedestals attached to a shared wooden base for stability, a unique adaptation that definitively ties them to the saloon environment. The value of this set lies heavily in its undisputed provenance and its collective presentation as a piece of the park’s atmosphere. The saddles show the authentic, heavy patina of age and continuous use over decades, including scuffs, darkening, and cracking of the leather, as well as typical wear to the edges and skirts. The custom metal and wood bases are stable and sound. The overall condition is considered good, reflecting their long and active life as part of a beloved regional attraction. H 44″, W 23″, D 76″. Note: Pickup/Transport required. Contacts available post auction.
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