I had an old Brooks that I picked up for $10. It didn't look to be in that bad of shape, not great, but looked pretty solid. Cleaned it a bit and gave is a little leather treatment (don't remember what the product was) and all seemed good.

Started riding it and was liking it. On a slow speed group ride with the bike coop I feel the earth move (all right the seat move) and next thing I knew the nose was free range. It lasted long enough to let me know that I like leather saddles like this.

Just remember that if the saddle splits stop right away and take that nose bolt out of there. If left in place it could snag you on something that, well, you would not want to get snagged.