Sleigh, Lawrence Family

The structural design and ornamentation of this hand crafted sleigh are typical of country sleighs. Although the body is heavier and cruder than the streamlined bodies of the mass produced Albany and Portland cutters, it nevertheless has elements of fine artistry and careful workmanship. The sides of the body slope gradually downward from the high backrest and upward to the rounded dash. A hand painted border of leaves encircles the upper edge, while the lower panels are decorated with striping of varying shades and widths. The striped wooden runner frame has tapered supports, or knees, connecting the beams of the body to the runners. The sleigh would have been driven with a pair of horses. This sleigh was owned by Charles E. Rockwell of Smithtown, Long Island, New York, father of the donor. It was used by the family until the early 1900s.