7 1/8 Top Hat

[Napoles]

Does anyone know where I might manage to get hold of a nice secondhand one?
I don't want a felt one (maybe a fur felt, but it has to be shiny) - ideally a silk one, but they are crazy money. I have got a nice one, but it's ever so slightly too small for me and doesn't sit so well, so I'm thinking it's time to get a new one.
Needs to have a height of 5 - 5 1/2 inches too - anything else is too short.
If anyone knows someone who might have one stashed away, I'd be eternally grateful.

[Alibear]

Keep an eye out on Ebay :)

[Napoles]

I am!!! There is a lot of crap on there too, but at the moment it's looking like my best bet. It was just on the off chance of someone having one or knowing someone who has one! They turn up in the unlikeliest of places!! :)

[Alibear]

How about this one? http://www.fasttackdirect.co.uk/product-3-63-915/Shires_Top_hat.html

[Napoles]

Wow!! You're good!! That's definitely a front runner if I don't manage to get an old one! Thanks a million for the link!

[Alibear]

No problem :) I just found it a few minutes ago when I was looking for something else! :sniggers:

[Napoles]

I've ordered that one AB. Thanks again for the link! :) I couldn't find it cheaper anywhere else!! Would have been nice to get an old one, but I think this will be just fine!

[Alibear]

That's great, I've seen them in the flesh and they're very nice IMO :) Fast Tack Direct are very good as well, it should arrive within a week :)

[Napoles]

That's great, I've seen them in the flesh and they're very nice IMO :) Fast Tack Direct are very good as well, it should arrive within a week :)

Really? Great! I would have dearly preferred an old vintage silk one as I think all old side-saddle stuff is so much more authentic, but I have champagne notions and and a lemonade pocket!!! Plus am looking into buying a side-saddle also at the moment and they don't come cheap!! :eek:
Don't suppose you have any great links for a 17" Champion and Wilton or Mayhew side-saddle in perfect condition do you?? :D

[Alibear]

Well if you had asked me a few weeks ago then yes :p http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/horses/806118

[Napoles]

Ha ha! I don't believe it!! You should do this professionally!! Lovely saddle!

[Alibear]

LOL, what's the most you're willing to spend as I've seen a couple online?

[Napoles]

TBH, I'd rather not say, but if you wouldn't mind posting the links I'd love to see them if I haven't come across them already?

[Alibear]

No problem :) These are all English sites but they most likely ship to the Ireland (won't be cheap but if you find one at a good price it would be worth it...)
http://www.lauradempseysaddler.com/pages/side-saddles-for-sale.html
http://www.lauradempseysaddler.com/pages/sidesaddles-for-sale.html
http://www.theemporium.org.uk/Sidesaddles.htm / http://www.theemporium.org.uk/About%20Us.htm

[Napoles]

Cheers Ali. I had seen that site, but not gone into it in too much detail. Some lovely saddles on there. I wonder if she comes to Ireland...? Thanks!