Relive History With Carriage Restoration
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.
People developed carriages as a more fashionable way to get around than in a farm cart or waggon. They were a necessity but quickly became a status symbol - like automobiles are today. People didn't need high-gloss lacquer and brass fittings to get from one place to another, but they wanted to go in style. Many parts of vintage carriages are for utility, comfort, and safety, but others are just for show.
Restoring requires a thorough knowledge of the working parts of a vehicle, which are mainly in what is called the undercarriage. Axles, couplers, wheels and hubs, brakes, and springs are just a few parts that must be in good working order for safety. Different styles of carriage have different configurations underneath the seating compartment.
Carriages are made with iron, wood, leather, and upholstery materials like corduroy and velvet. A good professional restorer can do the whole job, from removing rust replacing worn parts of the undercarriage to applying the final coat of lacquer to the body and the last button on the seat cushions. Some promise results of museum quality.
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.
The matter is complicated, because there are many types of carriages, some more formal than others. Every detail must conform to the original style; for instance, plain upholstery for a sporting vehicle or velvet for a town vehicle. True devotees learn all about this sort of thing and are prone to critically examining each other's carriages. Judges also look for perfection in presentation classes, which are judged on the entire equipage including the polish on the grooms' boots.
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.
People developed carriages as a more fashionable way to get around than in a farm cart or waggon. They were a necessity but quickly became a status symbol - like automobiles are today. People didn't need high-gloss lacquer and brass fittings to get from one place to another, but they wanted to go in style. Many parts of vintage carriages are for utility, comfort, and safety, but others are just for show.
Restoring requires a thorough knowledge of the working parts of a vehicle, which are mainly in what is called the undercarriage. Axles, couplers, wheels and hubs, brakes, and springs are just a few parts that must be in good working order for safety. Different styles of carriage have different configurations underneath the seating compartment.
Carriages are made with iron, wood, leather, and upholstery materials like corduroy and velvet. A good professional restorer can do the whole job, from removing rust replacing worn parts of the undercarriage to applying the final coat of lacquer to the body and the last button on the seat cushions. Some promise results of museum quality.
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.
The matter is complicated, because there are many types of carriages, some more formal than others. Every detail must conform to the original style; for instance, plain upholstery for a sporting vehicle or velvet for a town vehicle. True devotees learn all about this sort of thing and are prone to critically examining each other's carriages. Judges also look for perfection in presentation classes, which are judged on the entire equipage including the polish on the grooms' boots.
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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Get a summary of the things to consider before choosing a provider of carriage restoration services and more information about a reliable service provider at http://houghtonsulkycompany.com now.
publié par Unknown @ 11:33
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