Horse-drawn vehicles, once a necessity, are now either an anachronism cherished by people like the Amish and Mennonites, a hobby, or a decoration. Antique stores like to put them out front, where they never fail to attract attention. People who like history, enjoy driving horses, or like collecting vintage transportation may need expert carriage restoration services.
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 and coaches are fancy as well as useful. Like automobiles today, they were both necessary and status symbols. Having one at all was a plus, but having a 'top of the line' one was luxury. Many features of the vehicles were for comfort, like leaf springs, or for safety, but others were just 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.
Restoration involves working with wood, iron, leather, upholstery, and paints. Many restoration experts can do it all, making it a one-stop process. All rust must be removed, even in the cracks, for improvement to last. Restoring the high-gloss lacquer to the body is an art. Upholstery has its own demands, from stuffing to covers. Many restored vehicles are fine enough to be displayed in a museum.
Many people who like to compete in driving shows prefer vintage carriages, rather than choosing reproductions or modern designs. Some modifications are generally accepted, such as rubber rims on wooden wheels rather than the original metal rims. Rubber runs more smoothly and quietly on pavement, although they don't stand up like metal to gravel. Most things, however, should remain authentic to the period of the vehicle.
Part of the fun is knowing all the different types of carriages and the different designs within classifications. Many driving enthusiasts are knowledgeable about period vehicles and can tell if a restoration has been done correctly. Judges look for authenticity in presentation classes. Anyone investing the time and money required to restore a vehicle should know exactly how everything should look when finished.
Some people do restore their own carriages, but this is a very time consuming process and needs to be done just right to ensure safety. The safety factor makes many drivers choose a professional for restoration work. No one wants to have a wheel fall off (which they will do if the hub is put on backwards) or a brake fail. Fortunately, there are still many companies that do excellent work on vintage carriages. In addition, vintage carriages are an investment, like other antiques
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 and coaches are fancy as well as useful. Like automobiles today, they were both necessary and status symbols. Having one at all was a plus, but having a 'top of the line' one was luxury. Many features of the vehicles were for comfort, like leaf springs, or for safety, but others were just 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.
Restoration involves working with wood, iron, leather, upholstery, and paints. Many restoration experts can do it all, making it a one-stop process. All rust must be removed, even in the cracks, for improvement to last. Restoring the high-gloss lacquer to the body is an art. Upholstery has its own demands, from stuffing to covers. Many restored vehicles are fine enough to be displayed in a museum.
Many people who like to compete in driving shows prefer vintage carriages, rather than choosing reproductions or modern designs. Some modifications are generally accepted, such as rubber rims on wooden wheels rather than the original metal rims. Rubber runs more smoothly and quietly on pavement, although they don't stand up like metal to gravel. Most things, however, should remain authentic to the period of the vehicle.
Part of the fun is knowing all the different types of carriages and the different designs within classifications. Many driving enthusiasts are knowledgeable about period vehicles and can tell if a restoration has been done correctly. Judges look for authenticity in presentation classes. Anyone investing the time and money required to restore a vehicle should know exactly how everything should look when finished.
Some people do restore their own carriages, but this is a very time consuming process and needs to be done just right to ensure safety. The safety factor makes many drivers choose a professional for restoration work. No one wants to have a wheel fall off (which they will do if the hub is put on backwards) or a brake fail. Fortunately, there are still many companies that do excellent work on vintage carriages. In addition, vintage carriages are an investment, like other antiques
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