This skeleton break was built by Brewster and Company of New York.
Gift of Mr. F. Ambrose Clark of Cooperstown, New York.
BODY BREAK WITH PERCH
Body painted dark olive green, green gear. Trimmed in tan cord.
The break (or brake) was a most useful adjunct to establishments where four horses were kept, as it could be used to exercise the team, or as an alternative to the road coach for four-in-hand work when the road coach or drag would be considered too “dressy.” This type of break was also known as a wagonette break.
It was most often used with four horses, although in the country the unicorn team (three horses, one leader and two wheelers) was sometimes used. The break was a most spacious, roomy and useful carriage for station or other rough work. Here the seat length has been curtailed to make room for the additional forward-facing seat which is removable.
This break was built by Brewster and Company of New York and the Webb coat-of-arms has been incorporated on either side in the center spindle.
Gift of the Webb family in memory of Dr. and Mrs. W. Seward Webb