Ideale TB 90 CR Daniel REBOUR Leather Saddle: Antique Brown - Copper Rivets (Near Mint)

This is a top of the line Ideale saddle, which has the Daniel Rebour treatment.  This was a patented leather conditioning/softening process that was applied to a small amount of saddles, and is accompanied by the REBOUR stamp on the cover.  These saddles are highly revered in the vintage market, and are sought after by collectors and riders alike.  

This one is in a lovely "antique brown".  This likely started life in a more solid medium brown, and it's low level patina and regular use has made the color more nuanced and variable.  This is the OG color that Brooks modeled it's "antique brown" color from.  It features brass rivets, and the standard 2 wire rails attached to a steel cantle plate frame.  It's complete model is 90CR Special Competition, where the non-rebour version is the 90A. 

Daniel Rebour's claim to fame is as an illustrator of bicycle components.  He wrote/drew a book called "Rebour: The Illustrations of Daniel Rebour".  But he was also an accomplished cyclist, and this saddle process is his biggest physical contribution to the industry.

Condition

Excellent to near mint lightly used and show bike worthy condition!  This one has really attractive patina and shows a relatively low amount of miles ridden.  The leather is supple without cracking/crackling when you flex it.  It's been broken in evenly.  The saddle's top has a similar amount of give as a just barely broken in modern Brooks saddle.  It's clear this saddle has been taken care of properly and stored indoors.  The only scuff to note is a minor one on the right/rear corner.  The side stamps have been worn down by legs and are hard to read.  Minimal other cosmetic wear otherwise to note.  Rivets are in great shape, and only have that green oxidation around the sides touching the leather on a few of them. The frame and rails have just the slightest amount of surface rust in the deep corners only.   

Details

• Markings: "Rodée Main Salon... Rebour", "Special Competition Ideale TB 90", "Ideale S.D.G.D"
• Made in France
• Likely 1970's or early 80's
• Medium dark brown leather