The Australian Stock Saddle
and the Saddlers that made them
KNEIPP FAMILY
FREDERICK KNEIPP 1868 - 1939
In the golden old days of Tenterfield, saddlers came and went but one name remained in the memory of that old town, and that was Kneipp.
One of the earliest saddlers was Charles Pavel he was in Tenterfield c1870’s. In 1885 it was reported that Smith and Furlong had taken over from Pavel in High street. Later that became A J Smith.
In 1878 there was a J J Mann, as well as Joseph Schiffman. A Mr. W. J. Judge also set up a saddlery in 1885. By 1887 the Smith Brothers had taken over from Schiffman in Rouse street. William Judge in High street sold out to G E Smith.
Born on the Rangers Valley Cattle Station at Glen Innes in 1868, Fred Kneipp Snr did an apprenticeship with the famous Glen Innes saddler John Priest from 1881 to 1886. Kneipp remained with Priest at 1 pound per week plus lodging. By 1888 until 1892 Fred Kneipp had moved to Tenterfield and worked for A. J. Smith. He setup his own business at the other end of Rouse street on 1st August, 1892. (The shop later moved to 269 Rouse St.)
By 1894 Mr. Kneipp had made an impression with his saddlery wares as the Australian Town and Country Journal sang praises of the workmanship of his goods. “His own make of goods are said to be very durable” they reported, and added “He is noted for the stock and other saddles which he manufactures. Mr. Kneipp has taken several prizes for articles in the various branches of his trade.”
In 1897 Fred was advertising that he was importing English gear plus making his own saddles. He was also advertising a “new improved saddle”. The Armidale Express reported on this new design and the scribe wrote: “An Improved Saddle: Mr. F. Kneipp, saddler, has just manufactured to the order of a local station manager, a new class of saddle, styled the Half Somerset, for use in stock riding and buck jumping. The advantages of the saddle lie in the fact that the knee pads are very high, being up over the spring bar, while the stirrup leathers pass through the flap instead of the top. The position of the pad prevents the rider from coming over on top of the saddle when the horse props, a splendid grip can also he obtained with the thighs.”
This particular design of saddle proved popular with the customers for thirty years or more, as shown by this newspaper article below, dated 1934 in the Northern Star, Lismore:
SADDLERY DISPLAY
A non-competitive exhibit by Mr. F. Kneipp, of Tenterfield, displayed the narrow grip saddle, for which Mr. Kneipp has established a reputation. With a number of new features, the saddle is claimed to be comfortable and long-lasting. The exhibit also includes new type girths and bridles, as well as harness of all descriptions. This was the first occasion on which Mr Kneipp, who has won over 250 first prizes for his saddlery, has exhibited at Lismore.
In 1900 Fred announced to the locals: “I have just bought half a gross (72) of unbreakable trees from England, arriving on the SS Damascus.” An educated guess would probably source these trees from Butler Bros., England as in 1909, they had been boasting they had sold over 60,000 unbreakable trees, which of course would have included exports.
Over the years Fred found himself in a friendly rivalry with a long established saddler named A. J. Smith. Probably caused by the taking of prizes in the district shows, the argument actually increased to the point that both firms ran advertisements stating who was better than who in respect to how many awards were presented for the saddlery and harness for the year. No doubt it provided a bit of entertainment for the locals.
In 1901 the papers ran a story on Mr Kneipp’s successes.
SADDLERY AND HARNESS AT INVERELL SHOW. Mr. F. Kneipp has established a wide reputation in the northern districts for good reliable work both in saddles and harness. He has taken 16 first prizes in three weeks against all comers out of a possible 20. For saddles and harness at Tenterfield, Glen Innes, and Inverell shows, held during the last three weeks, Kneipp's saddles are admitted by practical men to be the best ever shown in these districts. The saddles are made on specially imported trees, with unbreakable spring bars, and gullets with incorruptable steel plating. The buggy harness turned out is all made of the best material obtainable, and the workmanship speaks for itself by the number of prizes taken. F. Kneipp has a large and complete stock of every description of saddlery and harness, and imports his own material. Although only established in Tenterfield a little over eight years, his is one of the leading establishments in the north. He employs some of the best workmen in the State.
1902 saw the success of Mr. Smith as reported in the Tenterfield Intercolonial Courier :
”Messrs. A. J. Smith and F. Kneipp, both reputable local saddlers, had very fine displays of saddlery goods of every conceivable description from their respective establishments. On this occasion, A. J. Smith, with one exception, took all the prizes for saddlery and harness, securing eight out of nine awards. However, notwithstanding this both exhibits would have been hard to beat even in a Metropolitan Show, and both Mr. Smith and Mr. Kneipp are deserving of all kudos for the trouble and expense they must have gone to in preparing such valuable exhibits.”
These results prompted more bickering through the press, as while the awards were going to and fro between the two men, so were the newspaper advertisements.
Just over ten years into his established business, Fred had settled well into being a leading saddler of Tenterfield, running advertisements with a bit of humour.
“SADDLE AND HARNESS EMPORIUM. F, KNEIPP, HEADQUARTERS for SADDLES (make a mental note of it). Top-notch quality guaranteed, and free from the high-price monger's taint and perishing effects of the sun. THE FAVOURITES- which sell like ripe cherries—are my STOCK SADDLES on Unbreakable Trees with Melbourne Panel, neatly finished with the Pearson Lock Stitch. Best Panel for Horse’s Back and looks well. (Not the bulky bulging "German Sausage" variety of Melbourne Panel as found in saddles of inferior make). As for HARNESS . The enormous sale proves both quality and price is right. REPAIRS neatly done in quick time at cut prices. N.B.—No Slop Machine Work at the Emporium. FRED KNEIPP, MANUFACTURING SADDLER, HARNESS MAKER AND IMPORTER, ROUSE-STREET, TENTERFIELD.”
"IT'S GRIP IS IDEAL"
''Dear Sir,—Some time ago you sent me a poley saddle, and I want to let you know how it turned out. All I can say is that it is a very fine saddle indeed, and is getting better with usage. It is much admired, and I've had repeated offers for it. Its grip is ideal, narrow and firm. It has had plenty of hard work since I got it, and is settling into a very comfortable shape. I am much more than pleased with it. The saddle looks beautiful on a horse and it rides as well as it looks. "
This letter to Mr. F. Kneipp, dated 1/12/1925 was written by a customer of his from Walcha. You would be well advised to see Mr. Kneipp when you want a saddle or anything else in his line— especially just now, as he is giving a substantial cash discount, and all his saddles and leather goods are manufactured in Tenterfield by skilled workmen.
These type of ads continued throughout the years until the Tenterfield locals awoke to the dreadful news of his death. On 23 December 1939 the Northern Star Lismore announced that Mr Frederick Kneipp, who has been a prominent figure in the business and civic life of Tenterfield for almost 50 years, died suddenly in Brisbane on December 19. He was 71 years of age and had resided here for 49 years. In 1892, he founded the business he had successfully conducted to the time of his death, and was the senior business man of the town. For 28 years he was an alderman of the municipality and was Mayor for five consecutive terms. He had held the position of circuit steward of the local Methodist Church for several years and was a trustee at the time of his death.
Fred had accompanied his wife to Brisbane for medical tests and had a terminal attack himself while in the city.
FREDERICK WALTER KNEIPP 1896 - 1971
During all this time Fred’s son, F. Walter Kneipp had been installed in the saddlery business, having commenced his apprenticeship with his father at age 14, in 1911.
The second eldest son of the late Fred and Eva Kneipp, Walter was born at Tenterfield in 1897. Through-out his life he was a fine active citizen, earning the respect and companionship of people in many walks of life through his varied interests.
As a saddler, he was well-known by stockman, by men women and children who loved horses and valued his saddles and other equipment. Radio was his hobby, with his amplifying system, he was a familiar figure at every Tenterfield Show and all sports gatherings held in Tenterfield for many years. During the early 1950s there were constant ads in the local newspaper offering customers the four main styles of Kneipp saddles. They were the Andy Bain (named after the famous local buckjumper), the Bruce Winn (named after the famous local campdrafter), the Bushman and the Colonel White (possibly named after Col. Fred White who played polo from Glen Innes). In 1953 Walter established his own business, (which was mainly electrical and all things radio) however, still producing saddles as well, and latterly carried on his work from his property in Martin Street.
Walter still continued to make saddles up until his death and the Tenterfield & District Historical Society hold a saddle which was the last one made by Walter Kneipp, in 1970. It is in brand new condition together with a new saddle cloth.
His funeral service was conducted by Rev. A. G. Michael, who, in paying tribute to Walter, said he was a craftsman who put something of his character into every saddle he made. Having watched Walter at work, he realised that this man used only the best materials and put the best workmanship into his saddles. A genuine man produced a genuine article, a competent man produced a competent article; a man with a beautiful character produced an article of beauty with enduring qualities. His life had the mark of the Craftsman.
So ends seventy nine years of top quality craftsmanship in all things saddlery, in Tenterfield, in 1971.
The Kneipp building facade can still be viewed in the township today.