Late vintage Douglas saddles

[patrickhowell]

My 1928 EW has a Dunlop saddle which appears to be made of a rubberised canvas. Can anyone give me its composition, whether replacements are available (doubtful), what a good substitute would be (leather?), and who can undertake this work (cost?). I tries liquid rubber to fill in the cracks. While forming a good structural bond to prevent further cracking, it dries a shiny black, and looks awful!

[eddie]

Patrick,
              If it is rubber and of Dunlop manufacture, it is probably a Dunlop 'Drilastic' saddle. I believe these were originally available in 3 sizes - if yours is the small size, you may be able to get a replacement top from one of the suppliers of pre'65 trials spares. You could try John Budgen at Toddington, Glos. or Sammy Miller at New Milton.
  Regards,
                 Eddie.

[patrickhowell]

Thanks, Eddy. A saddler told me you could buy replacements, so I'll try those blokes.