Cossack Division German officers SADDLE

[terry.h]

Cossack Division - commanded by German Officers - SADDLE – possibly unique – complete.
Firstly let me apologise for not knowing a great deal about the SADDLE itself or the Cossack troops fighting alongside the Germans in WW2. What I do know is that the saddle is absolutely genuine and was used in the Crimea area. The old soldier (he's almost 94) presented me with the saddle and asked if I could sell it – (he is Austrian and the saddle is here in Austria in my possession).
My problem is that I have no idea what something like this could be worth? Can anyone please help me? I have promised the old chap I would sell it on his behalf and I would like to do the right thing by him and get a fair price. BUT, what is a fair price please for such a rare and unusual item? Any advice would be most appreciated.
The information I have is:
He used the throughout the war and continued to use it for a while (in the Austrian Bundesheer (the Republic Forces of Austria) after WW2. Amongst the military items in his apartment are various objects, awards and images that leave no doubt as to the authenticity of his military service in command of Cossack mounted troops against the Soviets (please see photos).
As I said I am not a horse person at all and do not know anything about saddles so if you have any queries you will have to make them quite clear for me to understand to respond correctly – I can put what ever questions you might have to him personally and get back to you.
My understanding is that it is a Wehrmacht officers military saddle. Apparently some parts have been replaced during and just after WW2 but the majority of the saddle and the attachments are totally original. Please study the photos.
I have attached a batch of photos of the saddle, as well as a portrait of him, - and a couple of him leading Cossack troops on horseback etc. The final photo is not him but I have included it because I believe the person in the photo was his immediate commanding officer. There is a name on the photo in ink but I cannot read it – perhaps it might mean something to you.
Should you need any more photos - I have loads!!
At the moment to my knowledge it is only the saddle that is for sale not the photos or the painting, although I do feel that he would possibly sell them and other related things, but I am not 100% sure.
Thanks in advance,
Cheers,
Terry.

[terry.h]

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[me6_130]

The saddle seems heavily modified or rebuilt. Not much of the original one seems to be left. The question is...was it war time done or post war, and in my opinion it was done post. I don't know what the value would be but doesn't seem very collectible, to me, at least. Perhaps the provenance would bring the value up... but I'm not too sure.

Carles

[Erik]

I have to agree unfortunately. WH saddles are not that rare and still can be found in original condition. But they are, because of their size and shape, not very popular. The saddle you show has no doubt been used both in and after the war but is modified. This makes it far less attractive for collectors and I would doubt if it would bring much cash on the table. The pictures and painting are far more interesting though. They would be worth more than the saddle for sure and will sell easy. That is if the owner wants to part with them...

Erik

[djpool]

Unfortunately as mentioned the saddle has little interest or value to most collectors for the reasons stated above. The photos, painting etc. are very interesting. Jim