In the family of the Marquess of Londonderry since it was built sometime in the latter quarter of the 19th century, this formal state carriage is deemed the finest to appear at auction for a generation.
From its ivory escutcheons and silver gilt lamps to yellow
japanned doors painted with the Order of the Garter crest and the
Vane-Tempest-Stewart family arms, it demonstrates coach building at
its finest.
It was built for the Londonderry family c.1870-95 by the famous
firm of Hooper & Co. of London. They were the makers of
carriages for the Royal family and the City of London who later
evolved to build bodies for luxury motorcars.
Little is known of the carriage's precise history, although it is
thought to have been used at the 1911 Coronation of George V and by
the 7th Marquess on important occasions before 1939. It has been in
storage for many years in Stockton on Tees and has survived in
superb, original condition.
Specialist horse-drawn carriage auctioneers Thimbleby &
Shorland of Reading, Berkshire believe the carriage is a potential
record breaker and on September 6 expect it to exceed the £68,000
they achieved for a travelling barouche by Davis of London sold as
part of the George Shaw collection in June 2004.
Contact 0118 950 8611.
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