The pommel plate of this 19th century style leather western saddle is inscribed "Presented/to/LT. COL. T. ROOSEVELT/1st U.S. Vol. Cav./by/the Rough Riders/1898". There are no other visible markings on the saddle, but the materials and style are appropriate to the late 19th century. The leather is tooled around the edges. It includes iron stirrups with straps. The included documentation indicates that the saddle was originally presented to Roosevelt by his fellow Rough Riders and then given to "The First Cowgirl" Lucille Mulhall by Roosevelt along with a Winchester Model 1873 after she impressed Roosevelt with her roping and riding skills and presented him with the pelt of a wolf which had previously eluded Roosevelt while he was riding with the young lady on her father's ranch in Oklahoma. Roosevelt hung the pelt in the White House. Her father helped Lucille launch her career after being encouraged by Roosevelt. Among her accomplishments were appearances in western films and wild west shows throughout the U.S. and even abroad. In one display of her talents, she is recorded as having roped three steers in just over three and half minutes; she was just eighteen at the time, and the event led to her being dubbed the "Queen of the Range." Included in the research binder is a letter from Ann Mulhall Robinson indicating that her Great "Aunt Lucille was named, 'The First Cowgirl' by Mr. Roosevelt" and that the saddle had been kept in the family for many years. The letter indicates she, as the last survivor of the family, sold the saddle for an undisclosed sum.

Fine. The saddle is in very good condition for its age. There are some minor cracks and general wear in the leather and the canvas lining is stained, well worn, and slightly torn in some areas. The stirrups have bright oxidation. The inscription plate is crisply and clearly marked. Overall, a very interesting piece of Western and Presidential history.