Made by Holland and Holland | Science Museum Group Collection

This Hooded Mail Phaeton is a 4 wheeled carriage built by Holland and Holland coachmakers in London during the late 19th century. It can seat up to four people (including the driver) across two front seats under a foldable black leather hood, and two unprotected seats at the back (sometimes called rumble seats). This carriage would be pulled by a pair of horses. The mail phaeton has four grasshopper springs (the kind used on mail coaches), two of which are fixed at the rear via a cross-spring, and two fixed at the front. The carriage is painted dark blue with yellow lining (the livery of Sir John Miller, ex-royal equerry at the Buckingham Royal Mews), although this is not original. It has padded seating with blue velvet cushions with a yellow/gold trimming. The front seats are protected by a metal and black leather dash, which protects the front passengers from stones and mud kicked up by the horse/horses. The driver has access to a foot pedal which controls the spoon brakes that will stop the carriage. The wheels have brass hub caps which are engraved “Holland & Holland, London, W”.

Hooded mail phaeton, by Holland and Holland

1875-1900

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