Replica coach to be star of Sisters farm auction

The showroom at the Small Farmers Journal (SJF) building on Barclay Avenue is filling up with horsedrawn carts, carriages and coaches in preparation for the 27th Annual Horsedrawn Auction and Swap Meet, to be held at the Sisters Rodeo Grounds April 22-24.

The crown jewel (so far) is an exquisitely detailed, brand new replica of an Abbot & Downing style Concord coach. Abbot & Downing was a premier builder of coaches in Concord, Massachusetts.

The coach they named “Concord” was the one used exclusively by the Wells Fargo Company in the West, and consequently became synonymous with stagecoach travel.

Made by the Amish at Latham Coach Company of Latham, Missouri, the Concord coach presently at SFJ was consigned to the auction on the basis of the high price paid for a similar coach at last years auction.

According to Lyn Miller, owner and publisher of SFJ, that price of $53,000 is a standing record for a replica stage coach.

“Conventional wisdom would say that an original vehicle would be worth more,” said Miller. “But nowadays, it’s the new vehicles that also have the value.”

They can be used immediately and often, usually for advertising — and they certainly are attention-getters.

The coach on hand at SFJ is a true coach, with the bright red body cradled on two leather thorobraces, a type of suspension system, which yields a floating, rocking action.

(This movement can lead to severe motion sickness, something to consider if you are ever offered a ride.).

“This kind of suspension was designed to help the horses pulling the coach, not for the passengers’ comfort,” Miller said.

The wheels, axles, and shafts are bright yellow, and fine detail is evident over every inch of the vehicle. The window coverings are leather rolled and held in place with leather straps. The seats are also covered in fine, black leather and you can bet that the stuffing is not lumpy horsehair.

A couple of concessions to modern comfort are an electric light in the interior and durable carpet on the floor. Polished to a glowing sheen, this coach is indeed a thing of functional beauty and Miller has high hopes for its sale.

“This feels like it could be the most exciting auction we’ve ever done,” said Miller.

All this excitement is generated by the number and quality of horsedrawn vehicles coming in, as well as the deep pockets of some of the intended buyers.

Those of more modest means should not be put off, however. There is always an astounding array and volume of items that go through the sale ring at this annual auction. This year will see two huge tents at the auction site, one for displaying auction items, one for selling. This means an increase in bleacher space and more room all around in the selling tent, said Miller.

Miller also encouraged school groups to visit on the Friday of the event.

A tour of the auction site and an informative talk about the horsedrawn era may be arranged.

Contact Small Farmers Journal at 549-2064 or visit http://www.smallfarmersjournal.com for more information.