Piggyback sandwich case was used in USEF Ladies Sidesaddle Division competitions and at Hunt Week in Aiken, SC. This vintage collectable was purchased from England sometime around 2001-2 and lightly used until 2007. Since I no longer ride I parted with almost all of my treasures including beautiful habits, custom sidesaddles, and a collection of hunt whips. I saved this treasure for last. If you'd like to see the sandwich case in person, please contact me and I will be happy to meet you in the Middleburg, Virginia area. Shipping will include careful packaging, tracking and additional insurance. I will rebate you any unused postage if hand-delivered, picked up, or sent for less than predicted. The starting bid is based on appraisal I used for insurance purposes when I was traveling to shows with the case, the quality of the stitching and leather, and the prices on similar (but inferior) piggyback cases sold elsewhere. Please note my 100% eBay feedback rating. No refunds so please ask questions in advance. Just offering up this rare vintage idea now that foxhunting and sidesaddle show season is starting up.... and this would be a perfect holiday gift for those who covet the finer appointments.
Here are the specifics:Beautiful vintage ladies sandwich case in the rare "piggyback" style. This came from England and is the nicest one I've seen - and I've written about equestrian collectibles over the years. I've also kept my eye on the few that come into the local consignment shop and those are either in less than great shape or are not all that attractive. This one has beautiful tiny stitching which dates it as an earlier finer one. With that said, I did have Journeymen redo the two straps that attach case to saddle. Thought it would be disaster to have this expensive collectible fly off while cantering around the show ring -- or foxhunting. This was not cheap but well worth it as they did a beautiful job on matching the patina of the leather and also with the bracing (see photo of back) to the exact replica of the old leather. The leather is butter soft and is imprinted "Fisher, 188 Strand" on front of case just under closure strap. Fisher was a noted turn-of-the century retailed known for case making, ivory turning and trade of high-end goods. Basic research brings up their ad dating 1908 but I'm not sure how long they remained in business. The interior pieces by James Dixon & Sons (Sheffield, England) are not hallmarked silver but brittania that polishes up like sterling... There are a few blemishes on the back of the sandwich case along the bottom which you can barely see in photo. This wear does not at all impact the function or beautiful or value of the sandwich case. The top of the sandwich "box" has the traditional loop to pull it up out of the interior case which is divided. The top of the flask (screw on/off lid is stamped "James Dixon & Sons". If you are a show rider - the judges always make a big deal about the case when they judge the appointments portion of the USEF Sidesaddle Under Saddle Class. When I was showing and taking this treasure out on the road I did have it appraised and insured for $2,000. Price is non-negotiable. For the last several years this has been stored in my non-smoking home and routinely cleaned and checked. I'm not in a big hurry to sell this and have been in the process of making arrangements to go on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW (with this)... a bucket list activity. So if you are a serious collector or sidesaddle enthusiast who wants the best in appointments, please give this some thought. You won't find another one nicer. And to acquire this one you don't have to pay the shipping and costs to get it from England or the expense of replacing the leather straps. For all you maker mark expects, here's what the interior of the sandwich says:
D
JAMES DIXON & SONS
SHEFFIELD
EPBM
946
Think it might be in the range of 1910-1920 (because Sons not Son, no trumpet, no Ltd)... but please do you own research. Email me if you want to add to what I think is the timeframe.Approximate measurements of the interior pieces are as follows and the leather case itself is slightly larger. Rounded flask measured across the front is 3-1/2", 1" wide, and 4-3/4" tall including screw top. The oblong box for sandwich is 3-3/8" across, 1" wide and 4-7/8" tall including pull tab.
BUY IT NOW option requires prompt payment. Will ship to US addresses only. Thank you and good luck