In the lives of the Gypsies better known throughout the United Kingdom as Travellers, few possessions were cherished more than their sturdy, coloured horses. The horse was King in their magical, mystical world. The Gypsy people and their horses functioned as one family.
The next most treasured possession would have been their living waggon It was a solidly built, ornately decorated, horse drawn vehicle, in which they lived and traveled the rural areas of England and Ireland. For them, life was an endless journey down the narrow winding lanes, lined in hedgerows.
Most of the Travellers necessities of life were obtained from these hedgerows. Fuel, fodder, herbal remedies, and food, in the form of fruits, nuts and small game, taking shelter amongst the living fence. The hedgerow also provided the materials to make tools, kitchen utensils, and wattles, (which are small woven-wood portable livestock fencing). These hand-made products were taken to area town markets and sold for money, which was used to buy necessities not available from nature.
It was this need to travel back and forth to town with their handmade wares, that the flat cart, also known as a Tradesmans cart, Bradford cart, or Spinner cart was developed. It was used as the runabout and overall work vehicle by the Travellers.
Being a cabinetmaker and waggon builder by trade, and having a love for the gypsy heritage, I decided to build one of these flat carts this past winter and spring of 2003. I have hand constructed, from original scaled drawings this cart I am offering for sale. It is built along the traditional lines of the living waggons. It is correctly built using several woods, each providing the best characteristics for function, combined with traditional joinery, to provide a strong, visually graceful, well-balanced vehicle. Hand-made carvings and hand-cut scalloped edges throughout the cart are all finished in 24ct gold leaf. The cart is hand-painted in the traditional colours. Leather seats coverings and fine pinstripping all add to the creation of this vehicle, the likes of this quality not made amongst the gypsy people for generations.
For a gypsy horse breeder, this vehicle, along with a living waggon, are the only types of vehicles a gypsy horse should be proudly presented in a turn-out.
For a Gypsy waggon collector, this is a once in a lifetime chance to purchase this authentic, all new constructed gypsy flat cart.
I am offering this vehicle for sale. It was made to be sold. Dont miss the opportunity.
Christopher Zane Nestor
Master Craftsman
May 2003
Note: September 19th, 2003 The cart is finally done. The painting and detailing on this cart is unbelievable. The hours it took to complete is tremendous. This is an authentic, working cart. It's shaft height is 40" from the ground to the tug stop. This height should fit most gypsy horses well. The curve in the shaft, where the tug stop is located, should come about 1/3 down from the horse's back. I made it about 2 1/4" taller than the original, as I saw too many pictures of the carts traveling upwards. This cart is for sale, but have decided not to put a firm price on it. I will consider all offers, but will not sell it cheap. I have too many hours and costs involved in making it from scratch. I do have a price in mind, and when offered that price will let it go. This is truly a "one of a kind" of unequaled quality. It should be seen in person to really see and understand the work involved, and clearly see all the detailing. Gold leaf is everywhere. There is over 800 hours invested building this cart.
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