(Above) Watercolor of the calèche painted by Max Klepper about 1895.]
(Below) Detail showing elaborate springing, carving and C springs at rear of calèche. Note buckle for tension adjustment of leather strap.]
BERLIN
Body painted dark olive green with deeper green trim, green gear. Trimmed in green silk satin.
One of the first carriage forms, the berlin was invented about 1660 in Germany, and much used on the European Continent for royal traveling with two or four horses, two men on the box, two grooms standing on the rear, and out-riders for protection.
When the berlin here illustrated was harnessed à la grande daumont, the box was removed by loosening the bolts, and the mounted postillions then drove from the two near side horses. The berlin was truly a state carriage with its well-balanced lines and air of luxury without ostentation.
This berlin was built for Dr. and Mrs. Webb in France by Million et Guiet, and imported to America in 1890. It was used with the marvelously matched Webb horses Chilcat (17.1 hands) and Chilcoot (17.2) in New York.