Children's coaches: vis a vis (left); barouche (right)

Description

Such vehicles, produced either as toys for children or as working prams, were pulled by the children themselves or by a nursemaid or houseboy. Sometimes dogs, goats or sheep were harnessed to them. The vehicle on the left is a C sprung vis à vis of the Biedermeier period scaled down but with every detail present. The wooden parts of the vehicle on the right reveal the hand of the best coachbuilders; this is especially clear from the chassis, of which the front part is beautifully made. The whole vehicle is a miniature of a Biedermeier barouche, correct in all its coachbuilding details. The box is fully suspended on C springs and leather straps. Restraining straps between the body and the central beam of the chassis prevent violent pitching of the body. The old velvet upholstery with white porcelain buttons is also well preserved.