MikeMcD

I was poking around the basement in my mom's house last week and found something that I forgot I owned. It's a vintage, never used Brooks Swallow saddle (black). I got it about 18 years ago from a guy who had bought a lot of bike shop equipment from a defunct shop. He gave me a bunch of 'old stuff' that he didn't think he'd have any use for (including a Campy Gran Sport rear mech) and some Campy pump heads for Silca pumps. At any rate, I just put it on a shelf and left it there. I now have come to discover that these saddles are pretty desirable these days.

It has the old swallow stitching, and the folded leather flaps joined by a chromed metal plate that reads B17 Champion Swallow. On the rear part of the frame there is a patent # stamped in as well as C60--I'm guessing this might be a production date (1960?).

It has obviously never been used--the chrome rails are essentially perfect. There is some mild oxidization on a couple of the rivets. The tension bolt has also never been adjusted. Leather overall is looking good for 50+ years. There are a few small scuffs here and there--it has never been cleaned polished or treated to my knowledge. On the downside-the the leather is dry and tight--the drying process on the untreated leather has caused it the leather to pull away slightly from the center nose rivet (see pictures). But it does not seem to be cracking, and has good integrity.

I'll probably put it on ebay. Any ideas on the value? And should I leave it as is--or treat it with proofhide, etc. before looking to sell it?

Thanks

Stacey

Proofide that badboy and ride it like ya stole it!

coelcanth

i'm pretty sure the 60 is the production date

i'd put some proofide on it, just to keep it from drying out anymore..
wouldn't polish the rivets or anything..
i don't think the pulling at the nose is a big deal.. this is happening slightly on the new production brooks i've been riding for a while

i'd reckon it might go for $200+
the new ones are certainly expensive

does it have a logo plate on the back ? or did the swallows not have those

MikeMcD

and also has B.17 Champion Swallow embossed on the leather itself

McDave

I think I would back *off* the nut a bit until the leather can be re-hydrated, otherwise the rivet might pull through or split the leather if one were to just jump on it before it has a chance to stretch back out.