Carriage Foundation
Listed in 1 collection
Listed at 1 museum
Listed for 1 maker
Quick Details
Carriage Type
Dennett Gig
Date of Production
circa 1850
Materials used
Paint, Wood, Iron, Leather, Wool Box Cloth, BrassSummary of Dennett Gig
This is a super carriage in completely original condition. This two wheeled carriage would have been driven to a single horse. The gig has a stickback body with a boot under the seat. The shafts run outside of the body. With the exception of the splashguards all the original leather work survives.
Dennett gigs were used by gentlemen for travelling around town and country. They are always sprung on three springs, two side and one cross spring. The name 'Dennett' may have derived from the coachbuilder, Bennett, who developed the design for the gig and at some point the B became a D, or, due to the three springs, it may have been named after the Dennett sisters who were very popular at the time the springs were developed.
Dimensions
Height: 5ft 5”
Length: 11ft 6”
Width: 6ft
Wheel diameter: 4ft 5”
Full description
This is a good example of a Dennett gig with a stick back body and a boot under the seat. The shafts run outside of the body. The framework for the splashboards over the wheels survive but the leather is missing. A leather dashboard is original as is the leather on the shafts and the leather whip holder. There are two cast iron steps with rectangular treads either side of the footboard, both are attached to the springs. A rear lamp bracket is fitted at the back, there are no obvious signs of any provisions for fittings for front lamps.
The gig has 14 spoke English pattern wheels with iron tyres on collinge patent axles. Sprung on Dennett springs consisting on two side springs and one cross spring. Original paint work of yellow with black lining. The cushions on the seat are upholstered in black wool cloth. The original box seat and seat valance are also upholstered in black wool cloth. The gig has a black and yellow jacquard trim.
Inscriptions
On the axle caps: J A Lawton and Co
Condition report
This is a really super carriage in completely original condition. A conservation clean would be sufficient to make the gig look magnificent again. With the exception of the splashguards all the original leather work survives.
Access information
This Dennett Gig is in the care of York Castle Museum.
York Museums Trust
St Mary’s Lodge
Marygate
York
North Yorkshire
YO30 7DR
United Kingdom
Tel: 01904 687687
Picture credit
York Castle Museum