LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Collection of Western History #680  / 

74070

A remarkable Wells Fargo "Concord" 1880s stageco

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Cultures & Ethnicities Start Price:27,000.00 USD Estimated At:55,000.00 - 85,000.00 USD
A remarkable Wells Fargo Concord 1880s stageco
<B>A WELLS FARGO HEAVY WESTERN "CONCORD" STAGECOACH CIRCA 1880'S.</B></I> - This rare stagecoach was the work horse of the west; at one time servicing every major settlement. It could seat up to 18 passengers. Although coaching had already been a popular mode of transportation in England for over 150 years, it wasn't until the age of the western expansion in the United States that the stagecoach began a drastic change in design. The Abbot-Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire perfected the horse-drawn mode of transportation and produced these iconic coaches for the world-famous Wells Fargo and Company.<BR>Constructed of straight-grained white ash made pliable for bending into the distinctive bow shape of the 'Concord' stagecoach's base, the company used side panels made of poplar and fitted the body onto a superb running gear made to withstand the rocky roads of the American West. With a twelve-foot wide wheel base, a scarlet red body and the running gear a striking yellow, with the famous 'Wells Fargo' name emblazoned prominently on the side, this vehicle of the West traveled at a then-remarkable 12 miles per hour and weighed in at close to 2,500 pounds. This completely restored Wells Fargo coach gives evidence that this early American vehicle was used as much for commerce as it was for human transportation. With the markings 'U. S. Mail' on each door, this 1880's stagecoach is one of the last to operate in the West, delivering not only mail and passengers, but precious cargo such as gold to all points West. Passengers could ride comfortably on the three interior seats with and on top with the driver, the baggage securely tied down within the black iron railing that rimmed the top of the coach with the valuables in a strongbox under the driver's seat. This stagecoach was discovered in California and fully restored in the 1970's. It is complete with original set of four Coach and Express leather harnesses.<BR><BR>From the brainchild of Henry Wells and William Fargo, the 'Concord' stagecoach closed out the career of one of America's pioneer mode of transportation, it is the most recognizable icon of the American West. Very few of these heavy western 'Concord' stagecoaches were made and fewer have survived. A remarkable show piece.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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