Love the Old West but not sure about buying these items on eBay? Are you a collector of antique saddles, holsters, chaps, spurs or Native American goods? There are a few very important factors that are often overlooked by both buyers and sellers, such as detailed item condition and shipping that often lead to unhappy transactions. Here are a few tips to ensure you get what you've paid for!

Overall Information for Buyers

Some things to consider before bidding: condition condition condition / Shipping / the ASQ

1. Check the photos carefully and if they don't show all angles, damage and repair, or are a proper representation of condition, you should use the 'ask seller a question' link to request more pictures or information. The problem here is in the photography. Large items such as chaps, saddles, and large rugs or blankets are difficult for sellers to photograph and frequently have inadequate pictures. Ask the seller for closer pictures, don't be shy! Most sellers are positively responsive and would be happy to provide more photos. Expect wear, but be sure the seller understands the meaning of "DRY ROT", which is irreversible on leather goods. They should accurately describe all damage in woven fabric like Native American textiles. Ask them to examine the fabric for repairs or bleeding dyes if they don't mention it in the ad.There should be no surprises when you open that box, you should know exactly what you're getting.

2. Shipping for large items can be prohibitive! If there isn't a shipping calculator at the bottom of the page, or the shipping fees are not stated, don't bid until you receive a shipping estimate from the seller. eBay recently announced changes to restrict exhorbitant shipping fees and that is a bonus for all buyers, but you still don't want to jump into unknown pricing when buying items that are particularly large or heavy. Items that weigh 10-25 pounds will usually ship more cheaply on UPS. Ask the seller if they would consider this method before the auction ends. Very large items can be shipped inexpensively via Greyhound!

 All the answers to these questions are probably familiar to you as a knowledgeable buyer or collector but don't forget that in many instances your seller won't know the difference between a bullet and a cartridge and even if they did, they couldn't tell you the caliber of the loops on a gunbelt..so be sure to ask specifics about the item you're looking at. Sellers are there to sell..they don't usually collect gun leather..thats's your hobby ;-) If they don't mention or don't show in the pictures, ask, ask, ask!

 Many eBay sellers sell a wide variety of items, everything from re-gifted housewares, antique wooly chaps to linens and craft items. Don't be misled into thinking they are as anxious to collect as you. You ardent collectors out there can probably teach us eBay sellers a thing or two about your area of expertise and there is hardly a single seller who would balk at a friendly email that educates them on what they are trying to sell. Sellers want to please you, the buyer but you can expect that once in a while, you need to educate them on how to present the item of your area of interest. No self-respecting seller wants an unhappy buyer and one of the best ways to prevent a transaction-gone-wrong is to have a dialogue before the auction ends. Every auction page has an "ask seller a question" link, sometimes referred to as an ASQ form. Try to provide enough time before the auction ends in case the seller is away, at least 12 hours if possible. As a seller, I spend nearly every Friday morning to Sunday evening on acquisition: picking garage sales and live auctions in order to purchase items to sell online, travelling to local ranches and out of  State auctions, shows and sales to bring you the Best of the West and I want happy buyers. Don't be shy, and try to be timely!

Information for Sellers

Some simple suggestions to encourage bidding and  incur happy buyers

Silver Bits, Spurs, & Indian Beadwork:

The most desirable spurs and bits as well as any western gear with conchos can suffer terrible damage and devaluation of the silver is worn (or in the case of German Nickle-Silver, peeling) If the item description doesn't include the condition of the metal try to describe or provide pictures. Many sellers of this type of item are unfamiliar with the most important aspects of  vintage Western items.  What matters most to collectors, condition and maker's mark. Sellers might be super happy and excited to offer a set of famous Garcia Spurs found at a local flea market or estate sale, but they might not realize how the signature can determine the value. Look for missing or broken beads on moccasins and other beadwork, worn maker's marks on metal items. The stronger the mark, the more value it has. Spurs Blankets and Saddles were often repaired. Expect to find a repair and point it out for buyers.

Holsters, Gun Leather and other Leather goods Q & A:

What's a money belt? (Wow, I get that one a lot!) Answer: a money belt is a combination cartridge belt (loops for bullets) and has an inside pocket the cowboy could slide his silver and gold dollars into to keep safe. Money Belts are highly desirable and ones in good condtion are hard to find. Most cowboys ordered them through catalogues but a few bought directly from leather manufacturers like Meanea, Porter, Lawrence and Furstnow.

What exactly is a Rig? That's an easy one: a rig is a combination belt and holster.

Why does this holster have an integrated style from the belt and that one is looped over the belt? Answer: the integrated, sometimes called "drop" style was popularized by Hollywood in the 1920's ..original manufacturers of gun leather in the 1800's made the holsters to slip on over the belt. Buyers of true antique western holsters look for the kind that slides on over the belt.

Is the pattern stamped or carved? Errant marks from the maker's tools can usually be found on the leather. Hand tooled is more highly prized. Stamped goods frequently came through what was at the time, mass production factories. The leather from places like Denver Dry goods or Montgomery Wards was usually stamped and had patterns cut in the leather as opposed to carved out in relief. Very rarely one can come across maker-tooled custom holster such as the Williams Holster currently in my store. The owner's initials E J O-M were custom-engraved right into the leather when it was made.

Where should I look for a maker mark? Everywhere! Check the back of a holster. Look under the fender of saddles, or try the rear of the seat. Chaps were usually marked on the inner belt. Nearly ALL early leather makers stamped their goods because back then, they were hand worked pieces of art! Leather makers were proud of their craft. Having a maker's mark on any antique piece is highly desirable.

Visit my store for great, authentic items from the heart of the old west!

The Oregon Trail Crossing