19th-Century Carved Wooden Exhibition Royal Coach with Horse and Personages

Live Auction

26" (66 cm.) The carved wooden royal coach is authentically-constructed with large spoked wheels,driver's platform with decorative frame,guardsman's platform at the rear,and with elaborate finials,figural corner mounts,and a superb crest design featuring four winged angels guarding a royal crown resting upon a carved pillow. The coach is painted original royal red with bronze green and gold decorations and painted royal crests and shield on the door panels. The coach interior is original blue silk with silk fringe,and a pull-out step allows for graceful exit from the door. The driver's seat has original velvet cover with gilt metallic fringe and the coach is being pulled by two carved wooden horses with elaborate leather harness and velvet headdress and saddle with gold fringe decoration. Seven carved wooden persons accompany the coach,each with highly personalized facial features,hair,and costuming,including seated driver,standing guardsman,black livery man,and four seated passengers: older gentleman in military uniform,younger man in court costume,woman with highly-stylized hair and costume,and a young boy. Excellent original condition except one wing and one shield missing on coach decorations. With extraordinary workmanship,truly unique and handmade,the personages are unidentified but clearly represent French royalty of the 18th century. French,late-19th century.