Body painted dark olive green, green gear. Trimmed in dark green.
The vis-à-vis was known as the sociable in England and appears with a panel body (as in this example) or with a basket-work body. When it was properly turned out, it was formally horsed with two horses of fifteen hands each and carried either one or two “trim dapper servants,” the groom being a trifle smaller and shorter, as it was not good taste to have the groom or footman show more height on the box than the coachman.
Given by the Webb family in memory of Dr. and Mrs. W. Seward Webb
PRIVATE OMNIBUS
Body painted dark olive green, green gear. Trimmed in green leather.
The omnibus, one of the larger carriage types, was intended for owner driving as well as coachman driving and could be used with two horses; three horses abreast with an adjustment of the two poles, and for long distances over heavy country roads; or (even though it did not class as a proper four-in-hand vehicle) with four horses. At coursing and race meets, the omnibus made an admirable and roomy grandstand.
The lazyback and cushion on the roof seat were removed when the omnibus was servant-driven unless the seat was needed for the transporting of house servants. When the omnibus was temporarily transformed into a four-in-hand and owner-driven, the servants in undress liveries rode inside, with the owner and his guests occupying the box and roof seats.