Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Stanhope Gig, c. 1900 |
Object Name |
Gig |
Description |
Stanhope Gig, c. 1900. Horse Gig has a spindle back rest. Gig is black with red striping on body and wheels. Monogramed with "WPR." Brewster & Co. side lamps. Fabric cushioned seat covers are maroon in color. This Stanhope Gig has spindle sides. The monogram WPR (for William P. Roth) is painted on the Stanhope pillar. It has low-chimney lamps that were called gig lamps, specially designed for this type of vehicle. It was repainted by George W. McNear, Inc. of Brookline, MA. Maker: Brewster & Company, NY. Part of the San Mateo County Historical Association's carriage collection. |
Date |
c. 1900 |
Catalog Number |
1973.429 |
Collection |
3D - Land Transportation Tools & Equipment |
Creator |
Brewster & Company, NY |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Inscription Text |
"WPR" (monogram) |
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 |
Many American horse-drawn vehicles were based on English prototypes developed during Regency Period. England was noted for its obsession with horses, especially among its aristocracy. Breeding, racing, driving and hunting were popular recreations. It was not uncommon for members of the aristocracy to collaborate with their coach makers with the objective of creating particular styles. The curved pillar was named after Lord Henry Fitzroy Stanhope. These were especially popular in the show ring for Hackneys and there are records indicating Brewster & Company made a group of them to be shipped directly to the National Horse Show in New York City to be used by competitors. This Stanhope Gig has spindle sides. The monogram WPR (for William P. Roth) is painted on the Stanhope pillar. It has low-chimney lamps that were called gig lamps, specially designed for this type of vehicle. It was repainted by George W. McNear, Inc. of Brookline, MA. McNear started his career as an apprentice for notable carriage maker Chauncey Thomas of Boston. He later joined George Quinsler, also a Boston carriage manufacturer, as a draftsman. His career continued into the twentieth century with automobiles, and the DBA of his decal on the back of this gig refers to his business during 1927-1932. [Carriage Consultant Merri Ferrell 8/2021] Pony and horse gigs are designed to have a dashing sporty appearance. They are essentially the same in construction. The larger horse gig features lanterns and a backrest. Some drivers consider gigs to be somewhat unsafe because of their high center of gravity. "Brewster & Co. was founded by Henry Brewster, a son of James Brewster, a noted early-19th-century carriage builder at New Haven. Henry Brewster's firm was founded in 1856 and was first known as Brewster of Broome Street, New York, but changed the name to Brewster & Co. when its main office was moved to Broadway and 47th Street in 1874. Under the direction of John W. Britton, one of the partners in the firm, Brewster & Co. became the leading builder of high-class carriages in the U.S., and enjoyed the custom of most of the prominent personalities in New York society and elsewhere." [https://carriageassociationofamerica.com/carriage-tour/stanhope-gig/ 08/02/2018] Gig is currently in storage and not available for viewing. |
Dimensions |
H-49 W-63 D-56 inches |
Dimension Details |
Body, shafts add another 66" to depth. |
Search Terms |
Carriage Carriages Filoli Horse Drawn Vehicles Roth, Lurline Matson Roth, William P (Mrs.) Roth, William P. |
Subjects |
Carriages & coaches Transportation |
People |
Roth, Lurline Matson Roth, William P. Roth, William P. Mrs. |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Mrs. William P. Roth |