This sleigh was made by Brewster & Company of New York about 1890 and possibly an exhibition sleigh designed by Herman Stahmer.

This handsome and well appointed sleigh is typical of the type used by wealthy persons. Such a sleigh would be turned out with foot-warmers and fine fur robes. A sleigh of this size would probably be used with a pair of horses and intended for use for a winter drive in the park. The accompanying groom in the rumble seat might wear winter livery of a great coat, possibly also a fur cape if the weather was cold enough, and a silk hat or fur cap.

This sleigh was declared an outstanding piece and a conservation priority during a survey made of the Winmill carriages. The clamshell sleigh was sent to Brian Howard, a renown conservator, for extensive conservation work in 2000 and returned to the collection in 2002.

Conservation is the preservation (minimization of future deterioration),stabilization (consolidation of existing deterioration), and restoration (repair of existing deterioration) of historic and artistic objects. The original or historic character and components of a piece must be preserved whenever possible. Every attempt must be made to use processes and materials that are reversible or removable, both immediately following use and after aging.

Areas of flaking paint were relaxed and set down using a heated tacking iron. The paint was matched and meticulously hand painted in the areas of lost paint.. All corroded iron components were chemically stabilized. The striping was repainted to reconstruct the original appearance of the sleigh. The torn and damaged leather covered dash extensions were recovered matching the original leather in weight, color, and stitching patterns. The upholstery was cleaned and areas of insect damaged wool were filled in using sections of old wool broadcloth removed from behind the passenger seat cushion.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
"Conservation and Restoration of Horse-Drawn Vehicles", Susan Green, CMA librarian 1977
"Conservation Document", Brian Howard 2002
"Winmill Carriage Collection Survey" Merri Ferrell, 1999