Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 7/21/2008

Question
Hi Rob.
We found a mysterious carriage up in my grandma's attic all alone and are interested in finding out more about it. It has the sticker on the bottom of it with the number 923 hand written on it. The buggy is painted black wood with a retractable black leather cover( with two small glass windows on each side of it.) the base is black iron and rubber wheels. It also has cloth interior with a secret compartment and adjustable back.

The leather cover is starting to crack- is there anything we can do to help or save it? Any information on this specific carriage or this model would be greatly appreciated! and thank you, thank you, thank you in advance! It would be so nice to have some closure to this if we could. I could scan some pictures if that would help. Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Wendy

Answer
The things one can still find in the attic!
 First, F.A. Whitney Carriage Company was located in Leominster. Mass.In the material I have, black was not listed as an available color so it may have been repainted from the origional tan or white or it was natural, then painted.
 The number written on the bottom was, in my opinion, done by the person who did the carriage, as employee # 923, or is some sort of inventory number at the factory or the final seller. The reason I think this is in the material I have, none of the numbers are that high.
 You also need to make sure it is a baby carriage and not a doll carriage which is smaller. If you will send a picture, I will try to match it to the catalog pictures I have and send you a copy.
 As for the leather top, use a good, soft leather preserative and cleaner on it. Make sure you put your hand inside the top as you apply the conditioner to the outside so as to prevent pushing so hard you will rip the top. If you live in an area the has a western or tack shop, you can find some good cleaner/preservative products there. Try to get a liquid or gel so as not to have to rub very hard and chance a rip.
 Good Luck on your great find,
 Rob
 www.andersonsrestorations.com