June 24, 2023 Brian Lebel's Santa Fe Old West Events Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/24/2023
This example is an original Yellowstone Observation Wagon, restored at one time in its history and showing excellent patina. All components of the coach are original except the covering to the canopy, the leather luggage boot, front boot sides and the straps. The top was restored without the side dust curtains normally seen on this wagon.The tongue set has been altered for contemporary use. There is wear which might indicate the coach has been used in some capacity in the last 50 years, but a fresh to market coach is truly a historical find.
The Yellowstone Park Transportation Company's roots date back to it's association with the Northern Pacific Railroad. In 1883 a stage line was created which ran from the Northern Pacific terminal in Cinnabar, Montana (later relocated at Gardiner, Montana) to and through Yellowstone Park. Yellowstone National Park Transportation Co. (YNPTCo) which was incorporated in May of 1892 had a fleet of sightseeing vehicles, the most popular being the Yellowstone Coaches, which were painted bright yellow and manufactured by the Abbot-Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire. The larger six-horse "Tally-Ho" stagecoaches transported visitors from the train depot to the hotel at Mammoth Hot Springs. Yellowstone Observation Wagons, which had a four-horse team, were then used to take visitors on the "Grand Loop" tour through the park.
This coach will not be on-site in Santa Fe but is available for preview at our facility in Denver, PA. Successful bidder is responsible for costs and arrangements for transport of the coach to its new location.
Length of Coach : 160” (13’4”)
Length including Tongue: 281” (23’5”)
Width: 78”
Height: 104”
Tongue Length: 145”
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Condition: very good
Item Dimensions: 69" x 164" x 92".