24. RM Stivers Gig (c. 1890's to 1900's). Two-wheeled gig that is largely natural wood coloured. This is a real beauty with stunningly beautiful wheels. This was our grandfather's 'favourite" carriage - there are more pictures of him driving this carriage than any other. Suitable for two passengers. There is no top. The shafts are permanently attached. The decorative spindles behind the driver/passenger are metal, not wood, so they are in very good shape. There are seat cushions but they are in poor repair - the frames could be used but all new padding is needed. All of the photos of #24 were taken in April 2024.
Our grandfather wrote about this carriage that it was "Bought or sold originally by R. M. Stivers, New York". R. M. Stivers was a carriage maker located in New York City (Manhattan) which operated as R. M. Stivers Carriage Mfg Co, from 1850-1904, then by R. M. Stivers Carriage and Automobile Co, from 1904-1910-ish. More info can be found here: http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/s/stivers/stivers.htm It's of note that RM Stivers patented the name "runabout" for a certain type of carriage, but the word became too popular and Stivers was unable to enforce the patent.
Note: Additional photos are at the bottom of this page.
A gig = a two wheeled cart pulled by one horse
It is 2024 and as described in the opening blog posting, we are selling all 29 carriages in our possession on an individual basis. This is carriage #24.
Sale price: $2000 Canadian dollars. To convert to US$, divide by 1.3
To purchase or to arrange a viewing, please contact:
Scott Sillcox
Aurora, Ontario (45 minutes north of Toronto)
Cell or text: 416-315-4736
Email: ssillcox@rogers.com
Caveats:
A. The carriages/sleighs have been well kept in so far as they have been stored indoors from the time each was purchased by Bert Powell between 1938 and the early 1960’s all the way to the present day. At present the bones of the carriages/sleighs are good, but almost every carriage/sleigh is in need of some love and attention. In an ideal world the potential buyer of each carriage/sleigh would be able to see the carriage in person or arrange for a buyer’s rep to view the carriage in question. As sellers we would be happy to take whatever photos and videos are needed.
B. Moving the carriages/sleighs from King, Ontario (45 minutes north of Toronto) to each buyer’s destination of choice is the responsibility of the buyer and must be arranged by the buyer.
