Childs cart
Object No. 99/4/82
Child's chair cart, 'mail cart', wood/ metal/ rubber, Australia, 1890-1930
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Summary
Physical Description
Child's chair cart, 'mail cart', wood/metal/rubber, Australia, 1890-1930. This cart is comprising a wooden seat and footrest set into a cube shaped frame made of slats of wood bolted together. There are two metal spoked wheels with solid rubber tyres which are now badly perished. There is a metal axle and buggy-style suspension. There is a wood and metal brake mechanism under the seat. A long 'T' shaped wooden arm and handle for pulling the cart extends from the footrest.
DIMENSIONS
Height
420 mm
Width
400 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Mailcarts appeared in the 1870s as both 'play carts' for children's exercise and play, and as functional prams. The name and design derives from the actual postal delivery carts used at the time. Mailcarts varied in design and manufacture from simple structures constructed from wooden slats to more elaborate wickered and upholstered carriages. Anthony Hordern and Sons advertised a slat style 'children's mail cart' in 1895 as a toy. In 1922 Grace Brothers were still selling a similar cart in their toy department, described as a 'wood chair cart': Jack Hampshire, 'Prams, Mailcarts and Bassinets, Tunbridge Wells, 1980. (see blue file)
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of the National Trust of Australia, NSW, 1999
Acquisition Date
12 January 1999
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