A remarkable private collection of historic horse-drawn carriages, spanning over 3,500 years of combined age, is set to be sold at auction in York on Thursday, June 25. The 26 carriages, along with a Victorian London fire engine, a 19th-century hearse, and a pony-pulled bath chair, were amassed by North Yorkshire businessman Ian Smith (1944-2016), whose passion for coaching began in the early 1990s when he acquired a farm at Cropton.
Collection Highlights and Aristocratic Pedigree
Among the highlights is a 'body break' carriage made around 1880 by Peters & Sons, once owned by the Marquis of Zetland. This wagonette, capable of carrying a dozen people, was used for shooting parties and estate transport. Advance bidding had reached £17,000 over a week before the sale.
Another lot with aristocratic connections is a cocking cart from the Althorp Estate, ancestral home of the Spencer family and childhood home of Princess Diana. Originally designed for carrying fighting cocks, it became known as 'The Suicide Gig' due to its dangerous nature. The collection also includes a Town Coach made by John Marston, used in the ITV series 'Victoria' starring Jenna Coleman.
Screen Appearances and Racing Heritage
Ian Smith's horses and carriages appeared in period dramas such as 'Victoria', 'Jamaica Inn', 'The English Game', 'Peaky Blinders', and various Catherine Cookson productions. A roof seat brake by Shanks of London, an open carriage offering a superb vantage point for racegoers, attracted early bidding of £19,000.
Will Duggleby, managing director of auctioneers Duggleby Stephenson, said: "Ian and his family drove them through Windsor Great Park into Royal Ascot and competed with them in events at the Great Yorkshire Show, Royal Windsor and elsewhere." He added: "Collections of this scale and provenance are seldom brought to market and will appeal to collectors, coaching enthusiasts, the film and events industries."
Auction Details and Additional Items
The 179-lot auction includes thousands of pounds worth of equestrian equipment, coaching kit (lamps, horns, hats, bowlers), and memorabilia (paintings, books). The automated online auction starts at 11am on Thursday, June 25, with viewing at the Duggleby Stephenson Saleroom in the York Auction Centre throughout the week and on Thursday morning from 9am. The fully illustrated catalogue is available at www.davidduggleby.com. For further information, contact Sam Ogle or Amy Rushworth at David Duggleby Auctioneers on 01723-507111.
