The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-07-28
Celebrated Carriages.
From Tit Bits.

The most valuable as well as the
most dazzling carriage in the world is
now preserved at the palace known as
the Tranon, at Versailles. 1t was
constructed for King Charles X. OF
France, and was first used by him
on the occasion of his coronation.
From pole to hind wheels the vehicle
is thickly covered with gold, which
gives it quite a magnificent appear
ance. as well IL might do, considering
that it cost some G42, 000
The next most costly carriage is own
ed by her youthful Majesty the Queen
of the Netherlands. Exceedingly hand
some, this royal coach is decorated in
the style of the Dutch Renaissance,
and the interior is luXuriously dphol-
stored in embroidered cream colored
silk. 1t was a present to Wilhemina
from the loyal inhabitants of Amster-
dam. and its cost nearly 100000.
That distinguished Indian potentate,
the Maharajah of Patiala, has car
riage worth a considerable fortune. IT
was placed at the service of the vice
roy on the occasion of his visit to the
Maharajah's dominions. This re-
markable vehicle is made of plate sill
yer, with the state arms wrought in
gold. It's value is upward of G12OOO.
Our own King Edwards state car
riage is worthy of a more detailed de-
scription. 1t was made for George III.
nearly a century and a half ago, Srom
the design of Sir William Chambers,
the distinguished architect. 1t weighs
no less than four tons. The panels
were painted by Cipriani, the door
panel being embellished with the royal
arms in true heraldic colors. On each
side panel appears the collar of the
Order of the Garter with the figure
of st. George and the Dragon.
A little upright gilt ornament. In the
design of which the rose, thistle and
shamrock are introduced. runs round
the roof, on which are represented the
crown and scepter. The hammer-cloth
is in scarlet with heavy gold fringe
and tassels. A center panel OF dark
blue velvet bears the royal arms in gilt
relief. The carriage is over IL feet high,
8 feet inches broad and the rear
wheels over feet in diameter. 1t con-
tains a large amount of glass, and
$1,000 was expended in its construc-
ton.
The Car of Russia possesses sew
eral costly carriages, which were used
at the time OF his imposing coronation.
Perhaps the most notable is one which
is deliberately painted and carved. The
panels were the work of the celebrated
ARTIST w dIIeduy While the INlu6 Oll
the wheels and under carriage could
scarcely be surpassed. This carriage
is said to have cost upward of $4,000.
The splendid golden chariot Of ex-
King Theebaw was actually sold in
London three or four years ago for a
mere f12. 1t was subsequently used
for advertising purposes, which shows
to what base uses even a royal vehi-
Gle may descend. The carriage is sur
mounted by a golden umbrella, and is
of modern European design, the driver
occupying a kind of golden pedestal In
front. Its original cost was over e.
900.
1t would be interesting to know what
has become of the extremely gorgeous
carriage with which ex-P President Kru-
ger startled his simple" people at
the time of his election three years
ago. He then used it for the first
time. This extraordinary vehicle was
sent to the Transvaal in pieces, packed
in Theoretically sealed tin cases with
outer coverings of wood. 1t was put
together at johannesburg and exhibit
ed there before being sent on to Pre-
toria.
1t is painted in royal blue, picked
out vermilion, and double fine lines
of white and green, the state colors OF
the late South African Republic. The
hammercloth is in sky blue, and trim
med with laces In red white. blue and
green. Inside the carriage is lined
with sky-blue satin. with silk laces and
velvet pile carpets to match.
on each door and on the front and
rear panels are emblazoned the arms
of the late republic; while soaring
eagle of liberty is painted on the side
quarter panels. At the top corners
of the roof solid silver soaring eagles
are fixed, eagles also forming the
GROWING ornaments of the lamps.
Each side of the hammer cloth has
a solid silver impression. the fittings
are of silver, and the body of the car
riage is finished off with heavy silver
beading and ornaments. At the back
there is a standard for footmen. Ir
this gorgeous turnout Dom Paul must
| have felt like a toad in a jewel box
1t cannot have cost less than $1,000.
Only a few months ago the old-fash-
toned two-wheel pony chaise in which
the late Lord and Lady Beaconsfield
used to take their country drives to-
gether was sold by auction at Hughen-
den, Bucks. Alas for departed great
ness. it only realized the small sum
of 20 shillings!>