Today: an unusual vehicle from Mr. Sallmann’s collection of Swiss carriages and sleighs.
This odd-looking contraption is known as a Gemmiwagen (named after the Gemmi Pass in the Bernese Alps).
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Melanie reports that (as you can see in this photo of a photo of one in use), it could serve as a form of courting vehicle. In this case, the gentleman would ground-drive the horse while being able to chat with his lady friend. And she wouldn’t have to be bothered to climb the steep Swiss mountain roads.
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This photo shows the contraption on the seat back that makes it adjustable, to accommodate the incline of the road:
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And, finally, here’s an old photo of a young lady about to set out for a ride in a Gemmiwagen:
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To see photos of some of the oldest vehicles in Mr. Sallman’s collection, stay tuned for the May issue of The Carriage Journal.
August 9, 2013 at 10:24 am
What a great site! I am restoring a Hooper brougham carriage and am looking for advice. I live in the Monterey Bay area and would like to take a detailed inspection of a restored Hooper brougham. Do any of you know of such a carriage near the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area? Thanks!
Fred
August 9, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Hi Fred … welcome! Off the top of my head, I don’t know anyone in your area with a restored Hooper brougham, but I’ll see if I can find someone who knows someone …