4043

A Tex Tan copper-mounted western parade saddle made for Joseph Zerilli
Circa 1944, Yoakum, TX
Of finely tooled leather in two colors mounted with 228 pieces of copper, together with a later-associated headstall, breast collar and reins made by Clint Marrs, Rescue, California, circa 1990
18" H x 28" W x 19" D

Provenance: Private Collection, Sterling Heights, MI, purchased circa 1994 from Joseph Zerilli's grandson. Sale: John Moran Auctioneers, Lot 1079, Decorative Art Auction, June 17, 2014.

Notes: This saddle was a custom order for Joseph Zerilli (1897 - 1977). Zerilli also ordered at the same time a silver-mounted saddle for his brother. An immigrant from Sicily who rose to become one of the most prominent members of the Italian-American crime families from the 1930s through the 70s, Zerilli assumed leadership of the Detroit mafia, known as the Detroit Partnership, in 1964. He posed as a bread baker and businessman while making as much as $150 million a year from illegal enterprises. Though he spearheaded numerous criminal schemes, including loan sharking, extortion, racketeering and bookmaking, and was suspected in many murders, the only criminal charges he was ever convicted of were speeding and carrying a concealed weapon.


  • Condition: Overall good condition with oxidation to brass and leather commensurate with age. Scattered minor dents to brass commensurate with use, the largest: .875" x .375".

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December 12, 2018 2:00 PM PST
Monrovia, CA, US

John Moran Auctioneers

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