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Saddler
An English-style saddle complete with travel supplies.
18th-century saddler sold several items needed for care of horse
Colonial saddlers furnished 18th-century Williamsburg citizens with hunt saddles, postilion saddles, racing saddles, sidesaddles, and various "horse furniture," which included harnesses, bridles, girths, surcingles, brushes, curry combs, and sponges.
Steer hide was the raw material used by a saddler. His primary tools were the crescent-bladed round knife, the pricking iron, the wooden-handled stitching awl, and two steel needles to stitch pieces with waxed flax cord. Saddlers also had to show skill at ornamentation to please customers who wanted a decorative saddle.
Harness and saddle makers hard at work.
Saddles custom fitted to rider and horse
Saddles were built on a wooden tree and tailored to the customer's measurements and those of his mount. The tree was strengthened with iron plates and fitted with hardware to secure the stirrup leathers. Harnesses were sewn from strips of leather cut on the premises and mounted with rings, bits, and buckles from the founder and the blacksmith.
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The Joy of Discovery
Recreating 18th-century technology takes perseverance and luck, says Jay Gaynor, Director of Historic Trades. August 10, 2009
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18th-Century Surgery
Colonial medicine is not for the faint of heart. Sharon Cotner describes the philosophies and practices. July 6, 2009
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Swordmaking in the 18th Century
Colonial tradesmen learned the swordmaking craft as Virginia armed itself for war. Journeyman brass founder Suzie Dye describes the process. March 2, 2009
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Ironworks at Jamestown
Virginia's soil yielded unexpected resources. Journeyman Blacksmith Shel Browder talks about an early iron foundry at Jamestown. February 23, 2009
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Colonial Journalism
Political pressure and personal bias have hounded American journalists since the first newspapers were printed. Interpreter Dennis Watson talks about the Virginia Gazette. January 5, 2009
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Colonial Weapons System
As important as the cannon is the vehicle to carry it: a two-wheeled cart that transports, supports, and stores the weapon and its accoutrements. Wheelwright John Boag has the task of construction. December 15, 2008
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Journal articles
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Working in Harness
The Saddler's Shop
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"A Much More Respectable Bird... a Bird of Courage"
A Short History of the Turkey
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"An honest, upright, and industrious man, a kind and obliging neighbor, and a good citizen"
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"Easy, Erect and Noble"
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