Painter's handcart

Description

Such handcarts, used by all kinds of tradesmen and craftsmen, once played an important part in the street scene in any town or village. Their superstructure was adapted to the needs of the particular trade. Bakers' carts, for example, had an enclosed body with slots for air. These handcarts were used essentially for transporting tools and materials. They could also serve as an advertising medium for the traders or craftsmen. This handcart, with a box like body for the painter's equipment arid iron frames to carry his ladders, is a typical example of a commercial hand pulled cart. The long, soft leaf springs and the relatively large wheels prevented the goods in the cart from being too violently shaken in the unmade or cobbled streets. The light brown or beige paintwork with metal parts painted black and silver, and the dark red lettering, give the cart a certain elegance.