Hi all,

I'm in the process of building another 15th century armoured saddle and need a little help.

Does anyone have photos of the A14 saddle in the Real Armeria de Madrid?

The only pictures I have of this saddle are in the visitor's guide "Armeria del Palacio Real de Madrid" by Lacaci, 1987, pages 8 (between the two armours at left), and 117 (case 21). I'm not aware of any comprehensive publications covering the Madrid Royal Armoury, but if anyone has knowledge of something, please let me know.

For ID purposes, the saddle is fully steeled, with an ovoid shaped upper pommel section, longitudinal ridges down the legs of the front fork steels, and 4 groups of chevron shaped flutes also on the front fork steels. I really don't know what the back looks like. As of the printing of the visitors' guide, it was displayed alone, though that was 20 years ago.

Any assistance is appreciated.

Hi Jeffrey

I have just got a copy of Calvert's "Spanish Arms and Armour" which has some saddles in it, though it does not identify where each saddle is (or was, since it was published in 1907) held, or any catalogue numbers. There is one there which has an ovoid pommel, which is covered in 8 plates (series 172), but it is identified as the "War saddle of Philip II, made by Desiderius Colman of Augsburg". Otherwise there is the early 15th century saddle from Majorca in plate 185, though I understand this was heavily damaged in a fire last century and is probably not A 14.

Is it possible for you to post a scan of the saddle pictures you do have, this might be helpful.

Scan, no problem. I'll do it today at the office. Would have done in the original post, but it was late at night and I don't have a scanner at home.

Here's one of the pics.

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