Category
Antique Toys
Medium
Red Leather with Silk and Leather Hood, Wood, and Metal
Distinguishing marks
I found no markings; it does appear to have all the original parts.
Condition
Excellent
Date Period
Early Victorian
Size and dimensions of this item
Probably 36" by 36," see pictures
Weight
Probably 15 to 25 pounds
Long Description
Unfortunately, the "History" above covers pretty much everything I can tell you. I would appreciate anything you might be able to tell me.
Until now, I had not offered it for sale on Ebay or anywhere else. If it has significant value in the current market, I'll sell it. If not, I'll ease it back into storage.
Again, thanks.
Joe
History
I inherited this from my Aunt Lib. She was considered an "old maid"; she lived alone with her cat. She is of English descent. I have no idea if she owned the carriage as a child or, if not, how she may have acquired it. Judging from the groan which arose among family members at the reading of her will, it is believed to be of considerable worth. I wasn't expecting to receive it; apparently she left it to us because we have a daughter. It does not appear to be marked. I could not find anything directly comparable to it on the internet. I did find one site which stated that no antique doll prams we ever made of leather so, if it was correct, either the interior is faux leather or it was custom built. The only significant wear is on the hood. It still functions but, while the silk is completely intact, the leather is worn in half. There is also a screw loose upon one of the bars (attaching the push handle to the wood frame). Those are the only condition issues I detected. My aunt was a compulsive duster; however, beyond that, it does not appear to have been cleaned in recent years. That's about all I can tell you. Please refer to the pictures for visual illustrations.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
Inherited
For Sale?
No
Re: Antique, Double Doll, Red Leather, Wood, and Metal Baby ...
Carriages like this tend to date from the turn of the 19th Century until about World War One. Today they are primarily sought after by doll collectors. " In the rough" like this one most sell at auction for under 200.00. Here's a close match for you:
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6483232