Manufactured & Distributed Exclusively by

Manufactured &Distributed Exclusively by

www.fabtron.com

3806 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.

Maryville, TN 37804

Phone (865) 982-2321

Toll Free: 1-800-654-2321

Fax: (865) 982-7763

Email: [email protected]

www.CratesLeather.com

P.O. Box 202

Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

Phone (423) 777-4140

Toll Free: 1-844-678-8351

Fax: (423) 777-4139


www.CratesLeather.com • 844-678-8351

Crates Leather products are exclusively manufactured and marketed by

www.fabtron.com • 800-654-2321

The Crates name in the western saddlery industry dates back over 75 years tothe 1940s, when Robert H. Crates joined T.Fletcher Sims in building Sims Collar &Leather Company in Chattanooga, Tennessee, established in 1932, into world-wide distributor and industry leader, SimcoLeather Company. Robert Crates, a mid-westerner from Ohio moved south duringthe Great Depression, purchasing the small manufacturer of harness, horse collars, and miners equipment with Mr. Sims.

The years after World War II brought a greatdemand for recreational saddlery and riding equipment, which soon eclipsed the work harness and farm equipmentbusiness. The sport of Rodeo grew rapidly, to become a major factor in the “horse business”. Robert H. Crates became the sole owner of Simco in the 1950’s and was joined in the 50’s after military service by sons Daniel M. andRobert C. Crates.

The 50’s, 60’s and 70’s were boom days for both Western and English riding sports. Simco Leather during this period was considered the largest, or certainly one of the largest, world-wide distributors of western equestrian equipment, as well as a major pioneering factor in horse clothing and nylon tack and equipment. Simco also manufactured an extensive line of western style outer wear. The company grew to two manufacturing plants in Tennessee, and a distribution warehouse in Oregon to serve the West Coast.

The Crates family continued to lead Simco after merging with world leader fishing tackle manufacturer Shakespeare Company in 1970, a New York Stock Exchange Company. Shakespeare operated sporting goods companies in archery, golf, water craft, marine taxidermy, marine electronics, and mono-filament nylon products.Daniel M. Crates served as a member of the Board of Directors during this period. Shakespeare Company changedownership in 1980.

In 1982 Robert H., Daniel M., and Robert C., along with key Simco team members, established Crates Leathercompany, Inc., in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to perpetuate the tradition of Crates-made western saddlery, distributedworld-wide, as did the former company. Manufacturing was located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, home territory for over 75 years.

Thirty-five years later in 2016, still under Crates third-generation ownership and management, another majormove was set in place. Crates Leather joined in an exclusive licensing arrangement with long-time saddlery manufacturer, Fabtron, Inc., of Maryville, Tennessee USA and owners Stan and Brad Headrick, whereby Fabtron has exclusive license to manufacture and market Crates branded products world-wide. While maintaining two separate companies, Fabtron and Crates will team together to offer innovative equestrian products with an eye tothe future, as private family owned and operated MADE IN TENNESSEE, USA organizations.

A Brief History of the Crates FamilyIn Saddlemaking

Manufactured Exclusivelyby



1

Features

Supreme Light Ladies Reiner

Tree: Equi-Fit Light ReinerSeat: 151/2”, 16”Bars: QH (65/8”), FQH (7”)Cantle: 31/2” OvalRiggings: In-Skirt, 7/8 PositionHorn: 21/2” High, 21/2” CapSkirts: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece LinedFenders: 163/4” x 7”, 21/2” LeathersWeight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Hand Tooled✯ Close contact skirts✯ Hansen engraved “Daisy” conchos✯ Deep center pocket seat✯ Extra deep pile saddlefleece skirt lining✯ Grain-out Padded Seat

No. 4517Hand Tooled Flower,Basket, Rope

Our top light hand tooled reining saddle.Hand made form select premium saddleskirting leather, carefully hand tooledwith Sheridan flower, border basket andrope design. Narrow balancefd pocketground seat to fit a woman’s profile. Thetree is a time proven Equi-Fit tree bySteel Saddle Tree Company, tree makers for over a century. Engraved brown iron silver “Daisy” conchos by Hansen of California, and a soft grain-out padded seat. In Natural, Chestnut, and Mahogany finish.

Specifications

✯✯

No. 4517-3C 151/2” ChestnutNo. 4517-3CW 151/2” Chestnut, WIDENo. 4517-3M 151/2” MahoganyNo. 4517-3MW 151/2” Mahogany, WIDENo. 4517-3N 151/2” NaturalNo. 4517-3NW 151/2” Natural, WIDENo. 4517-4C 16” ChestnutNo. 4517-4CW 16” Chestnut, WIDENo. 4517-4M 16” MahoganyNo. 4517-4MW 16” Mahogany, WIDENo. 4517-4N 16” NaturalNo. 4517-4NW 16” Natural, WIDE


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Features


Tree: Equi-Fit Light ReinerSeat: 151/2”, 16”Bars: QH (65/8”), FQH (7”)Cantle: 31/2” OvalRiggings: In-Skirt, 7/8 PositionHorn: 21/2” High, 21/2” CapSkirts: 27” x 13”,

Saddlefleece LinedFenders: 163/4” x 7”, 21/2” LeathersWeight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Hand Tooled✯ Close contact skirts✯ Hansen engraved

“Daisy” conchos✯ Deep center pocket seat✯ Grain-out Padded Seat

No. 4516Hand Tooled, Round Skirts

Our popular hand tooled basket design ina supreme ladies reining saddle. Equi-Fitfiberglass covered light reining tree bySteele Saddle Tree Company. Made of select saddle skirting leather, carefullyhand tooled, oiled, and finished, withHansen of California brown iron “Daisy”conchos. Our balanced center pocket narrow ground seat makes for a comfortable ride, over a soft grain-out leather padded seat. In Natural, Chestnut, and Mahogany finish.

Specifications

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3

Features


Tree: Equi-Fit Light ReinerSeat: 151/2”, 16”Bars: QH (65/8”), FQH (7”)Cantle: 31/2” OvalRiggings: In-Skirt, 7/8 PositionHorn: 21/2” High, 21/2” CapSkirts: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece LinedFenders: 163/4” x 7”, 21/2” LeathersWeight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Hand Tooled✯ Close contact skirts✯ Hansen engraved “Daisy” conchos✯ Deep center pocket seat✯ Extra deep pile saddlefleece skirt lining✯ Grain-out Padded Seat

No. 4521Hand Tooled Border Basket

An update of one of our most popularladies reining saddles, hand tooled borderbasket design accented with a small“rope” tooling. Equi-Fit fiberglass coveredtree by Steele Saddle Tree Company,Tennessee saddle tree maker for over acentury. Engraved brown iron silver“Daisy” conchos by Hansen of California. A completely versatile riding system. In Natural, Chestnut, and Mahogany finish.

Specifications

✯✯



4



Specifications

Features

Basic Reining Saddle✯ ROUND SKIRT ✯

Tree: Equi-Fit Reiner, Quarterhorse Bars

Gullet: 65/8”, 8” High (7” Wide Available in 16” only), 31/2” Cantle

Horn: Reiner, 21/2” High, 21/2” CapRigging: In-Skirt, Stainless Steel,

7/8 PositionSkirt: 27” x 13”,

Saddlefleece LinedFender: 161/2” x 7”, 2” LeathersStirrups: AluminumFinish: Chestnut, MahoganyWeight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Corner basket stamped✯ Cut out close contact skirts✯ Engraved “Berry” conchos✯ Stainless steel hardware✯ Extra deep pile saddlefleece skirt lining✯ Soft GRAIN-OUT Chap Leather Padded Seat

No. 261-2C 15” ChestnutNo. 261-2M 15” MahoganyNo. 261-4C 16” ChestnutNo. 261-4CW 16” Chestnut, WIDENo. 261-4M 16” MahoganyNo. 261-4MW 16” Mahogany, WIDE

Available in wide 7” gullet tree in the 16” size.

No. 261Round Skirt Corner Basket Stamped

Our basic starter reining saddles, made on the Crates exclusive “Equi-Fit” Reining tree, by Steele Saddle Tree Company, Tennessee custom tree makers. Made of medium weight “Tannery Run” saddle skirting, which may carry “range marks”,indicating genuine top grain steer hide raised on the range. Equipped with a soft Grain-Out padded seat, Stainless Steel hardware, and Sterling Silver Plate “Berry” conchos.



5

Features

Basic Reining Saddle✯ SQUARE SKIRT ✯

Tree: Equi-Fit Reiner, Quarterhorse BarsGullet: 65/8”, 8” High (7” Wide Available

in 16” only), 31/2” CantleHorn: Reiner, 21/2” High, 21/2” CapRigging: In-Skirt, Stainless Steel,

7/8 PositionSkirt: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece LinedFender: 161/2” x 7”, 2” LeathersStirrups: AluminumFinish: Chestnut, MahoganyWeight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Corner basket stamped✯ Cut out close contact skirts✯ Engraved “Berry” conchos✯ Stainless steel hardware✯ Extra deep pile saddlefleece skirt lining✯ Soft GRAIN-OUT Chap Leather

Padded Seat

No. 260-2C 15” ChestnutNo. 260-2M 15” MahoganyNo. 260-4C 16” ChestnutNo. 260-4CW 16” Chestnut, WIDENo. 260-4M 16” MahoganyNo. 260-4MW 16” Mahogany, WIDE

Available in wide 7” gullet tree in the 16” size.

No. 260Square Skirt Corner Basket Stamped

Our basic starter reining saddles, made onthe Crates exclusive “Equi-Fit” Reiningtree, by Steele Saddle Tree Company, Tennessee custom tree makers. Made ofmedium weight “Tannery Run” saddleskirting, which may carry “range marks”,indicating genuine top grain steer hideraised on the range. Equipped with aGrain-Out padded seat, Stainless Steel hardware, and Sterling Silver Plate “Berry” conchos.

Specifications


6



Specifications

Features

Classic Reining Saddle✯ Round SKIRT ✯

Tree: Equi-Fit Reiner, Quarterhorse Bars(WIDE 7” gullet in 16” and 17”)

Gullet: Standard 65/8”, WIDE Gullet is 7”

Seat: 15”, 16”, 17”, 31/2” CantleRigging: In-Skirt, Stainless Steel, C-PlateSkirt: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece LinedFender: 17” x 71/2”, 21/2” LeathersFinish: Chestnut, Mahogany, NaturalWeight: About 28 Pounds

(29 Pounds for 17”)

✯ Corner basket stamped✯ Cut out close contact skirts✯ Engraved “Berry” conchos✯ Stainless steel hardware✯ Extra deep pile saddlefleece

skirt lining✯ Soft GRAIN-OUT Chap Leather Padded Seat✯ 3 sizes, 3 colors

No. 2222-2C 15” ChestnutNo. 2222-2M 15” MahoganyNo. 2222-2N 15” NaturalNo. 2222-4C 16” ChestnutNo. 2222-4CW 16” Chestnut, WIDENo. 2222-4M 16” MahoganyNo. 2222-4MW 16” Mahogany, WIDENo. 2222-4N 16” NaturalNo. 2222-4NW 16” Natural, WIDENo. 2222-5C 17” ChestnutNo. 2222-5CW 17” Chestnut, WIDENo. 2222-5M 17” MahoganyNo. 2222-5MW 17” Mahogany, WIDENo. 2222-5N 17” NaturalNo. 2222-5NW 17” Natural, WIDE

No. 2222Round SkirtCorner Basket Stamped

The 2222 Reining Saddle is our most popular with neat round skirts, 26” x 13”.It is available in 3 seat sizes, 3 colors,the popular WIDE 7” gullet in 16” and 17” seats. At 28 pounds, it is ideal for young people and ladies. Made on our exclusive “Equi-Fit” Reining tree by Steele Saddle Tree Company, world’s largest maker of fiberglass covered wood trees. We have produced this model for over twenty years, and it continues to be our top seller.



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Specifications

Features

Classic Reining Saddle✯ SQUARE SKIRT ✯

Tree: Equi-Fit Reiner, Quarterhorse Bars(WIDE 7” gullet in 16” and 17”)

Gullet: Standard 65/8”, WIDE Gullet is 7”

Seat: 15”, 16”, 17”, 31/2” CantleRigging: In-Skirt, Stainless Steel,

C-PlateSkirt: 27” x 13”,

Saddlefleece LinedFender: 17” x 71/2”, 21/2” LeathersFinish: Chestnut, Mahogany,

NaturalWeight: About 28 Pounds


✯ Corner basket stamped✯ Cut out close

contact skirts✯ Engraved “Berry” conchos✯ Stainless steel hardware✯ Extra deep pile saddlefleece skirt lining✯ Soft GRAIN-OUT Chap Leather Padded Seat✯ 3 sizes, 3 colors


No. 2221Square SkirtCorner Basket Stamped

The 2221 Reining Saddle is the most popular reining saddle we produce.It is available in 3 seat sizes, 3 colors, the popular WIDE 7” gullet in 16” and 17” seats. At 28 pounds, it is ideal for young people and ladies. Made on our exclusive “Equi-Fit” Reining tree by Steele Saddle Tree Company, world’s largest maker of fiberglass covered wood trees. We have produced this model for over twenty years, and it continues to be our top seller.


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Specifications

Classic Trail Saddle✯ Round SKIRT ✯

Tree: Equi-Fit Trail, Fiberglass Covered Wood. Quarterhorse bars, and 7” WIDE GULLET in 16” and 17”

Gullet: 65/8” Wide, 81/2” High(Or 7” Wide Gullet)

Seat: 15”, 16”, 17”Cantle: 31/2” CantleHorn: Trail 31/2” High, 21/2” CapRigging: Double-C In-Skirt

Stainless SteelSkirt: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece

Lined (28” in 17”)Fender: 17” x 71/2”, 21/2” LeathersFinish: Chestnut, Mahogany, NaturalWeight: About 29 Pounds



No. 2171Round SkirtCorner Basket Stamped

Our top popular Trail Saddle with neatround skirts, 26” x 13”, made on the Steele“Equi-Fit” Crates trail tree, with narrowcenter pocket seat, Quarterhorse bars. Soft grain-out padded seat of soft ChapLeather. The rigging is the Double-C In-Skirt which fits a broader range ofhorses. Also available in our 7” WIDE Gullet in 16” and 17” seat sizes. Chestnut, Mahogany and Natural.



9

Specifications

Classic Trail Saddle✯ Square SKIRT ✯

Tree: Equi-Fit Trail, Fiberglass Covered Wood. Quarterhorse bars, and 7” WIDE GULLET in 16” and 17”

Gullet: 65/8” Wide, 81/2” High(Or 7” Wide Gullet)

Seat: 15”, 16”, 17”Cantle: 31/2” CantleHorn: Trail 31/2” High, 21/2” CapRigging: Double-C In-Skirt

Stainless SteelSkirt: 27” x 13”, Saddlefleece

Lined (28” in 17”)Fender: 17” x 71/2”, 21/2” LeathersFinish: Chestnut, Mahogany, NaturalWeight: About 29 Pounds



No. 2170Square SkirtCorner Basket Stamped

Our top Trail Saddle, made on the Crates Trail Special “Equi-Fit” with Quarterhorse bars. Narrow center pocket ground seat and soft grain-out chap leather padded seat. A light weight comfortable saddle for hours on the trail. Quarterhorse bar spread is standard. Also available in our 7” Wide Gullet tree.Finished in Natural Oil, Chestnut, or Mahogany.


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Features

Classic Light Trail Saddle

Tree: Equi-Fit Trail SpecialSeat: 15”, 16”Bars: Quarterhorse, FQHCantle: 4” OvalRiggings: “C” Plate, In-Skirt, 7/8 PositionHorn: Trail 31/2” HighSkirts: 261/2” x 14”, Saddlefleece LinedFenders: 163/4” x 7”, 21/2” LeathersTrim: Hansen “Sunflower”Weight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Crates-Exclusive light trail tree by Steele Saddle Tree

✯ Soft double-padded grain-out chap seat

✯ Neat narrow shaped seat, 1” Cheyenne roll

✯ Hansen of California “Sunflower” trim

No. 2120Hand Tooled Mini-Edge Bead

Another light all around trail saddle forthe serious trail and endurance rider whodoes NOT want a “Flex” tree. Made on aCrates-exclusive Equi-Fit tree by SteeleSaddle Tree. In addition to a soft double-layered padded seat, the new 4” cantle isdesigned with a full extra inch clearance in the “Jockey” for more comfort in thethigh area. A 15” seat can feel like a 16” seat. The narrow ground seat in this trail and endurance saddle makes for comfort mile after mile on the trail. Available in Chestnut and Mahogany. “Sunflower” conchos by Hansen of California.

Specifications

✯✯

No. 2120-2C 15” ChestnutNo. 2120-2CW 15” Chestnut, WIDENo. 2120-2M 15” MahoganyNo. 2120-2MW 15” Mahogany, WIDENo. 2120-4C 16” ChestnutNo. 2120-4CW 16” Chestnut, WIDENo. 2120-4M 16” MahoganyNo. 2120-4MW 16” Mahogany, WIDE



11

Features

Classic Light Trail Saddle

Tree: Equi-Fit Trail SpecialSeat: 15”, 16”Bars: Quarterhorse, FQHCantle: 4” OvalRiggings: “C” Plate, In-Skirt, 7/8 PositionHorn: Trail 31/2” HighSkirts: 261/2” x 14”, Saddlefleece LinedFenders: 163/4” x 7”, 21/2” LeathersTrim: Hansen “Sunflower”Weight: About 27 Pounds

✯ Crates-Exclusive light trail tree by Steele Saddle Tree

✯ Soft double-padded grain-out chap seat

✯ Neat narrow shaped seat, 1” Cheyenne roll

✯ Hansen of California “Sunflower” trim

No. 2172Hand Tooled Double Bead

A light all around trail saddle for the serious trail and endurance rider who doesNOT want a “Flex” tree. Made on aCrates-exclusive Equi-Fit tree by SteeleSaddle Tree. In addition to a soft double-layered padded seat, the new 4” cantle is designed with a full extra inch clearance in the “Jockey” for morecomfort in the thigh area. A 15” seat can feel like a 16” seat. The narrow ground seat in this trail and endurance saddle makes for comfort mile after mile on the trail. Available in Chestnut and Mahogany. “Sunflower” conchos by Hansen of California.

Specifications

✯✯

No. 2172-2C 15” ChestnutNo. 2172-2CW 15” Chestnut, WIDENo. 2172-2M 15” MahoganyNo. 2172-2MW 15” Mahogany, WIDENo. 2172-4C 16” ChestnutNo. 2172-4CW 16” Chestnut, WIDENo. 2172-4M 16” MahoganyNo. 2172-4MW 16” Mahogany, WIDE


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Important informationSaddle Fit & Your Crates Saddle

Crates-Fabtron makes saddles provided by the nation’s leading saddle tree makers. Each tree is a “Made in theUnited States” product. When designing and building their saddle trees for today’s various breeds, the tree makerbuilds a “standard” tree, designed to fit as wide a range of horses within a particular breed as possible. It is very impor-tant for the saddle purchaser to realize that within a breed, a wide variety of shapes and sizes are present in manyhorses within the particular breed.

Many factors come into play when fitting the saddle to the horse. A horse may vary in a number of ways: age, degree of training, weight gain or loss from season to season, change in configuration as the horse ages. Just as ahuman, a horse can “favor” one side or the other. However, unlike a human, a horse does not have a collar bone, so ahorse can have a tendency to “lean” one way or the other, a normal condition. Thus the left to right shoulder musclecan vary in size and development. Such a condition can be observed by looking over from the rear to the shoulders.This is a normal condition, not unusual. A horse is NOT a symmetrical, or perfectly balanced animal.

The tree maker builds a tree in a symmetrical “average” configuration. The two saddle bars are parallel to one another, with no way to allow for a deviation from “average.” Before assuming the saddle and saddle tree is “crooked,” you should check the configuration of the horse also. A knowledgeable person on “fit” can be very helpfulin this situation.

Therefore, it is impossible for Crates to state, or imply, that every Crates saddle will fit every horse within a breed.Excellent saddle pads made by any number of pad makers can assist in this project. After 70 years and hundreds ofthousands of saddles made, considering the tree makers we purchase our trees from, a crooked tree improperly made isa very rare occurrence.

Saddle & Tack CareEven under the most normal circumstances, equestrian activity exposes saddlery and equipment to variations in

weather conditions: wet, dry, cold, hot. Conditions may be extreme, as storing equipment when not in use in barnsand tack rooms.

The life and durability of any leather product is directly affected by the care given. If neglected, leather WILL deteriorate, become hard and brittle. moldy or soggy. Tensile strength will become weak and tend to tear. Breakage becomes a much higher possibility.

Obviously depending on frequency of use and weather conditions, the saddle and other equipment should bethrooughly cleaned and oiled at least four times a year, even more in extremes in temperature or humidity.

We suggust you thoroughly clean with the best leather cleaner, saddle soap, and oil available to you. Be sure tofollow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are literally hundreds of products available proclaiming to be the best forleather preservation. We are not tanners or chemists, so we do not recommend a specific product. Your quality saddleshop can be of assistance in selecting a product best for your conditions.

However, some common-sense suggestions:1) DO NOT store any leather product in non-porous containers as sealed plastic bags. If water-soaked, dry

naturally, never force-dry, which tends to remove and dry out the natural oils.2) DO NOT use caustic chemical penetrating cleaners, or any material which might clog the natural pores in

the leather, nor alcohol, or mineral spirits, lacquer thinners.3) Finally, common sense should dictate your close attention and inspection each time the equipment is used.

Check for tears, elongated holes where buckle and tongue are present, rusted hardware. A little prevention can savepotential problems in the future. Remember your saddle will take care of you only as long as you take care of it.



Important information

Fabtron - Crates AllianceBeginning June 1, 2016, Fabtron, Inc., of Maryville, Tennessee and Crates Leather Company, Inc., of Chattanooga,

Tennessee pooled their 70-plus year history of manufacturing equestrian equipment. Fabtron is the exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Crates branded saddlery worldwide.

We will maintain our two current separate companies and locations in Maryville and Chattanooga as in the pastthirty-five plus years. Manufacturing, shipping and administration functions will be centered in Maryville, Tennessee.Crates Chattanooga will continue with support and information on present, past, and future products.

The Fabtron-Crates Alliance will continue to be a MADE IN THE USA product and company. We will continueto distribute through established equestrian retailers and direct sale organizations, and not to the product end-user.

Fabtron Maryville, as the manufacturing and administrative arm, is staffed to provide assistance in ordering, manufacturing and accounting information for all Fabtron-Crates products. Crates Chattanooga will continue as asource of product information as well as initiating Crates product ordering requirements, concentrating on Cratesbranded products. Contact either one of us. We are ready to help.

Fabtron-Crates is managed on a daily basis by its owner-operators. Our commitment is to design, produce, and market current and innovative equestrian products for today’s up-scale equestrian, with an eye to the future. Simplyput, we are a family-owned and managed MADE IN TENNESSEE USA team.

www.CratesLeather.comP.O. Box 202

Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

Phone (423) 777-4140

Toll Free: 1-844-678-8351

Fax: (423) 777-4139


www.cratesleather.com

Offices: 3908 Tennessee Ave.

Chattanooga, TN 37409

Fabtron, Inc.3806 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.

Maryville, TN 37804

Phone (865) 982-2321

Toll Free: 1-800-654-2321

Fax: (865) 982-7763


www.fabtron.com

www.CratesLeather.com

P.O. Box 202 • Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

Phone (423) 777-4140

Toll Free: 1-844-678-8351

Fax: (423) 777-4139


www.fabtron.com

3806 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. • Maryville, TN 37804

Phone (865) 982-2321

Toll Free: 1-800-654-2321

Fax: (865) 982-7763


No. 2171Round SkirtCorner Basket Stamped(See page 8 for additional information)

Manufactured & Distributed Exclusively

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