This omnibus was built in 1891 for Dr. and Mrs. Webb by Brewster and Company, of New York.
Given by the Webb family in memory of Dr. and Mrs. W. Seward Webb
CALÈCHE
Body painted dark olive green, green gear. Trimmed in morocco leather and broadcloth.
The calèche was a grand carriage and belonged to the “state” order. As Francis Underhill wrote in 1896: “It is not at all suited unless the stable be supplied ... with numerous carriages. It is intended simply for the most formal calling or for park work.” The horses required were of the finest breeding, perfectly matched and with faultless manners. The harness was elaborate and included breeching (that part of the harness which passes around the hind quarters of the horse) and loin straps.
This calèche was ordered in Paris, France by Dr. and Mrs. Webb in 1890 from the famed French carriage maker, Million et Guiet. It was used in New York until about 1900 with the two superb Webb horses “Chilcat” and “Chilcoot,” (17.1 and 17.2 hands respectively). After the death of one of these perfectly matched big horses, the calèche stood unused in the Webb coach barn for many years.
Gift of the Webb family in memory of Dr. and Mrs. W. Seward Webb
