Carriage Museum

Widely used in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Phaeton carriage took its name from classical mythology. Its name referred to the mythical Phaëthon, son of Apollo and the Oceanid Clymene, who nearly set the Earth on fire while attempting to drive the chariot of the Sun, and for this serious error Zeus struck Phaethon with one of his lightning bolts. The Phaeton is basically a light-weight carriage on four wheels with two open seats, suitable for a pair of horses, but sometimes could also be drawn by a single horse or drawn four-in-hand for longer journeys. There are various types of Phaeton, typical examples include: the Mail Phaeton, which appeared in England in approximately 1830, equipped with spring suspension, was used for transporting both passengers and baggage, and was much appreciated due to the sturdy carriage; and the Spider Phaeton, of American origin, a light-weight and stylish carriage used mostly for parks and show ring driving of short distances.

The carriage was first imported into England in the first half of the 19th century and was named after Queen Victoria. It is an open, doorless, four-wheeled vehicle, and with two forward-facing seats for passengers and an elevated seat for the driver. It featured a large leather bellow and a large front fan, also in leather, which hid the rear of the horses. An additional part of its structure included two large, curved splash guards joined to the central mount to protect the four wheels. Due to its technical features, especially the comfortable seating and low access, it was preferred by fine ladies for their walks.

The carriage was first imported into England in the first half of the 19th century and was named after Queen Victoria. It is an open, doorless, four-wheeled vehicle, and with two forward-facing seats for passengers and an elevated seat for the driver. It featured a large leather bellow and a large front fan, also in leather, which hid the rear of the horses. An additional part of its structure included two large, curved splash guards joined to the central mount to protect the four wheels. Due to its technical features, especially the comfortable seating and low access, it was preferred by fine ladies for their walks.

The calash is a two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a single horse and was designed essentially for the transportation of people. It was very common until the mid-19th century and was used mainly for short routes and with little baggage; it was suitable, therefore, to running errands across agricultural funds. Sometimes it was equipped with a soft hood, folding like a "bellows". The calash had three variations: the calash, the calessino or hired buggy, and the military.

Originated in Italy and was destined mostly to army officers who used it drawn by a service horse to reach their assigned departments. It is a two-wheeled and two-seater vehicle, agile, and robust at the same time. It subsequently became widespread among the bourgeoisie and was the most used carriage between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.