Old carriages are universally admired. Antique shops put them out front because they are instantly noticeable. Amish farmers and Mennonites still drive them for transportation, but people drive horses as a hobby. Anyone showing might want an authentic antique vehicle. In this case, they will have to become familiar with carriage restoration.
A carriage is different from a two-wheeled cart or a waggon, or even a buggy. Carriages have four wheels and are designed mainly to transport people, not freight. They are not usually enclosed, like a Doctor's buggy, nor do they have a top, like a surrey. They are smaller and lighter than a coach. People who advertise restoration services often will work on any of these vehicles.
Carriages were, like automobiles are today, both a necessity and a status symbol. People needed them to get somewhere quickly and with less personal effort than walking. However, they liked to get there in style, too. Many features of the conveyance were for utility and safety, while others were for show.
Driving or restoring carriages requires an understanding of the undercarriage. The vehicle is supported by axles, wheels, hubs, and springs. It has brakes and mounting steps. Different styles of carriages have different undercarriages. Safety and comfort demand that all parts be sturdy and in perfect working order.
To restore a vintage horse-drawn vehicle, a person has to know how to work with iron, wood, leather, paint, and upholstery. Most restorers do the whole job, although some specialize, of course. Removing rust from metal, making sure moving parts are freed up and lubricated, knowing how to adjust brakes and make wheels strong again is all part of returning things to their original condition.
People who show often want an authentic, vintage vehicle. Every detail must be true to the period of original manufacture and in perfect condition to win a presentation class. Other drivers choose a reproduction, made of all new materials but in the old way, or a specially-designed modern vehicle. These require less care and may be sturdier for going down the road.
There are many different types of carriage, and different designs within each classification. True aficionados learn all the terminology and try not to scorn those who use it wrongly. They are also able to tell if a restoration has been done well or poorly, or if some feature is not authentic to the period and type of vehicle. Judges look for authenticity in presentation classes.
Restoration can be a do-it-yourself project, but most people choose to get expert help from a professional. The hours of work involved is part of it, but there are also safety concerns. It's nice to know that the wheels won't fall off because the hubs are on backwards or that the brakes will work going into that tricky intersection at the bottom of a hill.
A carriage is different from a two-wheeled cart or a waggon, or even a buggy. Carriages have four wheels and are designed mainly to transport people, not freight. They are not usually enclosed, like a Doctor's buggy, nor do they have a top, like a surrey. They are smaller and lighter than a coach. People who advertise restoration services often will work on any of these vehicles.
Carriages were, like automobiles are today, both a necessity and a status symbol. People needed them to get somewhere quickly and with less personal effort than walking. However, they liked to get there in style, too. Many features of the conveyance were for utility and safety, while others were for show.
Driving or restoring carriages requires an understanding of the undercarriage. The vehicle is supported by axles, wheels, hubs, and springs. It has brakes and mounting steps. Different styles of carriages have different undercarriages. Safety and comfort demand that all parts be sturdy and in perfect working order.
To restore a vintage horse-drawn vehicle, a person has to know how to work with iron, wood, leather, paint, and upholstery. Most restorers do the whole job, although some specialize, of course. Removing rust from metal, making sure moving parts are freed up and lubricated, knowing how to adjust brakes and make wheels strong again is all part of returning things to their original condition.
People who show often want an authentic, vintage vehicle. Every detail must be true to the period of original manufacture and in perfect condition to win a presentation class. Other drivers choose a reproduction, made of all new materials but in the old way, or a specially-designed modern vehicle. These require less care and may be sturdier for going down the road.
There are many different types of carriage, and different designs within each classification. True aficionados learn all the terminology and try not to scorn those who use it wrongly. They are also able to tell if a restoration has been done well or poorly, or if some feature is not authentic to the period and type of vehicle. Judges look for authenticity in presentation classes.
Restoration can be a do-it-yourself project, but most people choose to get expert help from a professional. The hours of work involved is part of it, but there are also safety concerns. It's nice to know that the wheels won't fall off because the hubs are on backwards or that the brakes will work going into that tricky intersection at the bottom of a hill.
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