Phaeton carriage (French dog cart) - four-wheeled horse-drawn vehicle

Description

Phaeton
For Sale,900
Thisis a handmade reproduction of a 1830 Phaeton or French Dog-Cart. A Dog-Cart is ahighly maneuverable horse-drawn vehicle, originally designed for sportingshooters with two transverse seats set back to back. Although dog-carts wereoriginally two-wheeled vehicles, the French created a version such as the onewe have here, having four wheels and seats set back to back or dos-a-dos(French for "back-to-back").
This vehicle was entirely designed and handmadeby Mr. Ed Dryden from 1983-1986. Mr. Dryden was renowned for superb workmanshipin his restoration of antique horse-drawn vehicles and his work appears inseveral museums across the country. After many years of restorative work, Mr.Dryden decided that in most cases he could build a better vehicle starting fromscratch. This Phaeton is a prime example of that work. It is made entirely ofhard wood and hand-forged steel. Over the years, Mr. Dryden perfected hisproduction of carriage wheels. None better can be found. The wheels on thisPhaeton are incredibly strong, well-balanced, and rimmed with heavy rubber onsteel. The wheel itself is hand-bowed hardwood with 1½-inch hardwood spokes(meant for cross-country marathons and hunting).
This vehicle is in pristine condition and readyfor the marathon or show-ring. If needed, we can arrange for the Phaeton to beshipped to you by a method of your choice. The only thing you may want to do toit is replace the 1" leather wraps on the shafts as the leather had becometoo dry, so we removed it. I haven't done this repair as some buyers willprefer to not replace them. That is the only repair on the horizon, but is notat all necessary. Other than that, it is in perfect condition as it has beenwell cared for and protected.
The Phaeton is set up for a single full-sizedhorse although it can accommodate a small to medium sized draft. It has fit asmall 14.1H Spanish Barb (she was an amazing marathoner!) just as well as my16H Clydesdale cross. The length of the shafts is 78" to the hinges andanother 8" from the hinges to the cart.
Each shaft is hinged independently such that onecan be straight up while the other is along the horse. This "independentsuspension" in the shafts is very handy and comfortable on the horse whentraveling over uneven or rough terrain. It also means that larger horses don'thave to squeeze between the tips when putting the cart to the horse.
You will never find a more maneuverable vehiclethan this Phaeton! There is a full cut-under fifth wheel with rollers so theturning radius is just about as tight as that of any 2 wheeled cart without thedanger of jack-knifing or tipping that is common with other 4-wheeled vehicles.There are 4 leaf springs that are attached to the axles rather than the seatbox. Because of this the seats do not sway and yet the Phaeton gives a smoothride.
The brake is also very functional just in caseyou stop on a hill or go for a jaunt in the hills with a heavy load and wouldlike to assist your good horse. The brakes are easy for a child to use and acton both back wheels. There are stable steps in the front and the back that makeit easy to get in and out of the vehicle. There is also a handmade brass whipholder up front.
This Phaeton is a delight to drive and was myfavorite vehicle in the barn. It's just as sporting for those seated in frontas it is for the groom or passengers facing back, as all passengers sit high(having a nice view above the horse's back), yet this vehicle is stillamazingly stable! I always had the Phaeton positioned at the front of the barnbecause of it's versatility; it would take the family on the road or into themountains but still looked elegant in marathons or in the show ring. If youdrive, I'm certain you will enjoy this Phaeton many times over as we have done.
If interested, a handmade harness of the highestquality that was used in the show-ring with this vehicle is also available.This harness will fit most 14.2-15.3 H horses but will not fit a pony or draft.
I also have everything needed to drive a team (pole, yoke and collars if you choose them). Switching from the shafts to pole will require a modification which I can show you.