Panel Boot Victoria

dimensions

Height: 6ft11”

Length: 11ft¾”

Width: 5ft 8½”

Front Wheel Diameter: 3ft

Rear Wheel Diameter: 3ft 10”

Full description

Victoria’s were low bodied carriages to allow for access for ladies in the large full skirts that were fashionable during the second half of the 19^thcentury. This elegant example displays all of the common features of this type of carriage.

The body is of a cab shape with sinuous curves to the front edge and back panel. It seats two people on the principal seat and a small person or child on the fold down seat situated in the back of the boot under the coachman’s seat. Both the principal seat back and the occasional seat are upholstered in a buttoned dark green morocco leather. Sadly, the seat cushions are missing. The seat valance has a very pretty, good quality broadlace in dark green and yellow with a stylised foliate design. Remnants of a green carpet are visible along the sills, it is missing from the floor. Curved grab hands are fitted to the edges of the body of the carriage.

The folding leather head would provide protection from a glaring sun or a light breeze. It has slightly compassed iron head joints and a leather valence around the front edge. Long sweeping leather wings follow the contours of the carriage body and would protect the occupants from getting their dresses soiled when entering the carriage. They meet at floor level wherein the centre a step is fitted. The ‘stirrup’ or ‘bell’ step has a large jagged tread with a curved leather back.

The coachman’s seat has single seat rails served with a leather seat skirt with brass beading and a green wool cloth covered full length cushion and leather seat valance. The footboard slants upwards towards what would have been a dashboard which is missing. On each side of the footboard is a simple step consisting of a round tread. Behind the seat valance is a removable heal board.

Iron lamp brackets are bolted beneath the coachman’s seat and hold nickel mounted oval fronted lamps with square pagoda chimney’s. The handle for a lever action brake, fitted to the rear wheels, sits alongside the coachman’s seat.

This Victoria has 12 and 14 spoke English pattern wheels with rubber tyres on collinge patent axles. Both front and rear axles are straight. The carriage is sprung on elliptic springs front and back. The forecarriage has a pole socket on the axle bed but the splinter bar and pole are missing. There are shafts with this carriage for use with a single horse as well as a pair.

On the side panels is the crest of the Robertson family of Llandyila and Pale Hall. The main colour of the body, undercarriage, underside of the footboard and the wheels is dark green with black and yellow lining.  

Inscriptions

On the axle caps (except the nearside rear wheel): ALLEN LONG ACRE

Stamped on the central board of the principal seat and on the front edge of the coachman’s seat: 449

Condition report

The upholstery has certainly suffered which is a crying shame as it was such a stylish combination of colours and materials. The leather head looks to be in good order but if it were ever lowered may cause cracks as it seems quite dry. The carpet is missing. The working components all appear sound but the splinter bar and pole are missing.

Access information

This Panel Boot Victoria  is in the care of The National Trust, Erddig.

Erddig

Wrexham

LL13 0YT

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/erddig

Picture Credit

The National Trust / Amy Bracey / Robert Lovell