LOT 246 - Dixie Thompson's Custom Loomis Saddle Outfit.
Spectacular, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted saddle by Loomis Saddlery, with custom silver by the Tiffany-trained artist, Edwin Field. Complete with bit, headstall, breast collar, reins, martingale, cinch, skirt and lariat, all circa 1888-90. Commissioned by Santa Barbara capitalist, rancher and one-time sea captain, Dixie W. Thompson, the silverwork alone took over two years to complete, and was fashioned with bullion from Mexican silver dollars. Dixie rode the saddle in numerous parades, and it was exhibited at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The saddle is discussed in detail in numerous newspaper articles of the time, including the May 4, 1896 “San Francisco Call”, which referred to the saddle as having “the reputation of being the most gorgeous thing of its kind in the world.”
Provenance: Dixie W. Thompson Estate; to M.H. de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA.
Proceeds to benefit the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s acquisition funds.
Brian Lebel's Old West Auction, June 6th, 2015
SOLD $195,500