HISTORIC PERSONAL SADDLE OF EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN OF MEXICO TO DRAW INTERNATIONAL BIDDING AT THE HIGH N Mesa, AZ – On Saturday, January 30, 2010, one of only two known, documented saddles belonging to Emperor Maxmilian I(1832-1867) of Mexico will be sold at the 20th Annual High Noon Auction in Mesa, AZ.
News-Antique.com - Oct 16,2009 - HISTORIC PERSONAL SADDLE OF EMPEROR MAXIMILIAN OF MEXICO TO DRAW INTERNATIONAL BIDDING AT THE HIGH NOON 2010 AUCTION
Mesa, AZ – On Saturday, January 30, 2010, one of only two known, documented saddles belonging to Emperor Maxmilian I(1832-1867) of Mexico will be sold at the 20th Annual High Noon Auction in Mesa, AZ. The saddle, known as the “People’s Saddle” was presented to Emperor Maximilian by the People of Mexico during his Imperial reign from 1864 to 1867.
Emperor Maximilian, born Maximilian of Austria, was the grandson of Francis II, Emperor of Austria. In the aftermath of several wars and conflicts, he was invited to Mexico, the country believing that the establishment of a monarchy with a European bloodline, could bring some much-needed stability to this strife-torn nation. Maximilian arrived in Mexico in 1864 and was embraced by the Mexican people. His rule was short however, as liberal forces under the command of Benito Juarez captured and executed him in 1867.
It was at this point that the saddle was acquired by Rev. Augustin Fischer, an influential Jesuit priest in the Emperor’s court (Jan-Feb, 1867). Fischer then gifted the saddle to Julius A. Skilton in November of 1867 and it has remained in the Skilton family for over 140 years. (see below for about Julius A. Skilton)
The last public showing of the saddle was in April 1887 at the Wheeler Rifles’ Art Loan Exhibition at the State Armory in Auburn, New York.
The splendid 1860s saddle is both impressive and elegant with a golden patinated partially exposed rawhide tree trimmed topped with a regal 8” saucer shaped horn adorned with a raised 6-pointed star and a filigreed sterling silver royal crown and Maximilian monogram. There are eight more Imperial monograms – six in silver and two embroidered in silver thread on the two leather skirts. Silver and gold thread in both floral and three-dimensional designs tastefully adorn the entire saddle. The fabulous 4’ saddle bags are truly fit for a king and create the desired regal effect worthy of an Emperor.
The “People’s Saddle” will be offered as part of the 300+ lot auction of important historic and contemporary Western Americana art, artifacts and memorabilia. Maximilian’s saddle has been assigned a pre-sale estimate of $100,000 – 150,000.
The High Noon Western Americana Auction is produced by High Noon of Los Angeles, CA. Owners Joseph Sherwood, Linda Kohn and Danny Verrier, are nationally recognized for their passion, knowledge, and commitment to ensuring that the legacy of all that is the richness of the Great American West lives on for generations to come.
The auction will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2010 at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, AZ in conjunction with the two day High Noon Western Americana Show.
A full color catalog of the over 300 lots to be offered, with estimates, is available for $30 by phone, fax, or online at www.highnoon.com. Bidding for the auction is available in person, by phone, absentee or online at
