Originally Posted by
Mr Danw
I picked up a Sadem Saddle to put on one of my bikes. I got it at a local shop that had some older saddles hanging on the wall. They wanted $25.00 for it, so I figured I can make use of it. Does anyone here know anything about them?
No, I know nothing about them. This piece looks nice. The leather looks a bit dry from the rear and perhaps the back should be saddle soaped, allowed to dry, then given a thin coat of Proofide. I would not do anything to the top - can't tell how that nice shiny finish was made. If it was just paint, you'll find out. If it was high-quality dye work like Brooks, I think you are really lucky!
A previous poster said that saddle-making in India contains some jewels and some duds. I'd want to figure out which this is.
If you have a caliper, measure the thickness of the leather. Brooks leather measurements exist in a few threads here on BF, but my rough recollection is that more than 5 mm is really good. Also see if you can visually determine if it is a piece of hide, or some kind of compressed leather sheet fabrication.
A little-used B-17 in that condition will feel hard and stiff if you press the leather in your hands. Another thing to check!