Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Park Gate Gig, c. 1890s |
Object Name |
Gig |
Description |
Park Gate Gig, c. 1890s. Manufactured by Studebaker San Francisco (printed on seat/round brass on seat). Gig is black with blue striping. Seat cushions are upholstered with brown fabric. This example has a panel on the body with dummy slats, a vestigial reference to the slatted sides used in hunting vehicles for dogs. There is a metal bracket for a lazy back on the right side. The platform suspension reduced horse motion from being transferred to the driver. This Gig is restored in accordance with Mrs. Roth’s color scheme of black and blue. Maker: Studebaker Bros. Mfg. Company, (sold from San Francisco repository). Part of the San Mateo County Historical Association's carriage collection. |
Date |
c. 1890s |
Creator |
Studebaker Bros. Mfg., San Francisco |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
1973.428 |
Dimensions |
H-47 W-58 D-57 inches |
Dimension Details |
Body only. Affixed shafts add an additional 54". |
Collection |
3D - Land Transportation Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"STUDEBAKER / SAN FRANCISCO" (round brass plaque on seat frame) |
Provenance |
-From the Roth Collection at Filoli. -The Roth Collection is particularly significant as all of the carriages were built by one of the two Brewster firms in New York City, producers of the finest quality vehicles for America's leading families. The National Carriage Association in Staten Island has the original records of the Brewster Company. Since Roth carriages were produced for use in California, they evidence some special changes to adapt them to their owner's way of living. As of June 10, 1973, each carriage was in superb condition, never having been restored. Each carriage bears an individual registration number from the factory. The carriages were built almost entirely of wood, and many coats of paint were applied, each coat rubbed and polished until it was mirror-smooth. As the paint of that era dried slowly, there often was more than a week's wait between the application of coats. |
Notes |
Gigs were a type of two wheeled vehicle. Nomenclature for gigs could refer to their body type, patron or suspension system. These names were generated by the carriage makers. Park Gate Gigs had projecting backs that gave them their distinctive profile. They are an American style that was developed in the 1890s, were made in horse, cob or small pony size, especially for the Hackney breed. Gigs were used in the show ring, and had their own class in which turnout and correctness were judged. This Gig was made by Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company. The firm started in Gettysburg, PA in the 1830s by John Studebaker. His output averaged three wagons a year. His sons collaborated and move their business to South Bend, Indiana. By the 1870s, they reported they could make a wagon every seven minutes. They were fully industrialized, and made everything from farm wagons to Presidential carriages. They made their finer vehicles in Chicago. By the 1890s, they had a repository (sales and show room) in San Francisco. Their round brass name plate is located on the seat frame. [Carriage Consultant Merri Ferrell 8/2021] Gig is currently in storage and not available for viewing. |
Search Terms |
Carriage Carriages Filoli Horse Drawn Vehicles Roth, Lurline Roth, Lurline Matson Roth, William P (Mrs.) Transportation |
Subjects |
Carriages & coaches Pony carts Ponies |
People |
Roth, Lurline Matson Roth, William P. Mrs. |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Mrs. William P. Roth |