This round back gig made £3,100 at the Thimbleby & Shorland Reading Carriage Sale on Wednesday 5th March 2003. Lot 150 was correctly described in the auction catalogue as follows:
“ROUND BACK GIG by Baker of London to suit 14-2 to 15-1 hh; in a show finish of black with gold lining and upholstered in beige bedford cord. Restored five years ago and used with success in the show ring.”
This gig looks very smart, but you might think it has a slightly boxy shape with straight sides, exposed bolt threads on the thick springs, rectangular steps and chunky felloes (rims). Now look again at the wheel hubs.
W M KINROSS OF STIRLING
Compare this different makers inscription (missing the & Sons) with that on the Perth cart and all the hubs others seen. It appears that the original Baker wheels were replaced by pair of Kinross wheels at a later date. This hitherto unseen company name suggests a post-war date.
A REAL KINROSS CARRIAGE STEP
Notice the square tread on the carriage steps and compare them with the ralli car, square gig and the governess cart, all of which have the same distinctive figure of eight pattern shown here.
