Road Cycling - So I got a new Brooks saddle for nada

Yeah, my LBS kicks more ass than I can describe with words. Hooked me up with all kinds of stuff to build up my fixed gear (which can be seen in the fixed gear forum, if anyone's interested) including a Brooks saddle that was in a parts box 'downstairs'.

I've read a lot about Brooks stuff but haven't thought about getting one until this fell into my lap. I don't know what model it is and, worse yet, I have no idea how to take care of it or anything. So, any tips would help out a lot. It's got a few small scuffs in the leather finish; is there a way to clean those up and/or protect it from more?

If anyone can help me ID it, I took a couple of digicam shots. I know it's a Professional, but am not sure which one. And I'm skeptical of how much it'll break in. I don't want to have to break my ass in to the saddle, I'd rather it go the other way around!

That's a Team Pro - has the great big rivets. The regular Pro had small head rivets. If you got that for free, you did well. I paid $70 for a new one to go on my classic British bike. (Falcon)

Try to locate Brooks Proofide - that's their leather treatment. LBS might be able to get it, or you can find it on ebay for sure. Cover the seat in that, leave it for a few days, then go riding. The breakin period isn't as bad as it's made out to be.

Excellent Find! For free, too. Can't beat that with a stick. Mine really didn't take any break-in time. It was comfy right out of the box; however, it took a few tries to get it adjusted just right. I have a Swift and like it pretty much level. Enjoy!

The only thing I could add would be that the more recent Team Pro's have the words "Pre-Softened" embossed on the top of the saddle. I have had both; the older one had the texture of glass and took a long time to break in without proofhide. The later one felt comfortable to me from the start, but I am just about to do the proofhiding on it as well. Good find, great saddle!

yeah, I neglected to mention that it has 'Pre-Softened' across the top. I'll probably put it on my fixed gear over the weekend, unless it's raining of course. I'm going to order some Proofide today to protect it and hopefully help it soften up. I think it had been sitting in the basement of the LBS for a long time.

Proofide both the top and bottom of the saddle,
leave the proofide on the bottom it will act as a
seal against water being kicked up, I do this about
once a year. If its really wet where you are, say during
the rainy season (or day) a saddle cover is a good thing
to have, I think Selle Italia has neoprene ones for sale.
Never apply proofide to a wet saddle, it locks the moisture in and will help to deteriorate the leather. Don't mess with the tension bolt too much, if at all. If you do
1/4 turn at a time at most.
Rivets will polish up nicely just by riding the saddle.
Good deal for $0.0 thats the kind of LBS to have.

Marty