Vis-a-Vis Sleigh

In the 19th century, travelling by sleigh became a popular social recreation. Passengers used coal-heated footwarmers and heavy carriage robes for warmth. Roads, usually rough and difficult to traverse, were leveled by snow often packed down to an icy, even surface allowing reduced friction with the sleigh's runners. For better traction, the horses' hooves were often fitted with spiked shoes. The sound of sleigh bells frequently accompanied the quiet movement of the sleigh to announce the vehicle's approach.

The vehicle's name derives from its body type. A Barouche features a driver's seat with a curved body. The term Vis-a-Vis refers to the face-to-face seating arrangement.

This restored Barouche sleigh was made by William Lown of Troy, New York about 1880. The body is painted maroon with red striping and upholstered in maroon broadcloth. Leather snow-guards follow the curve of the dash, which ends with a pair of carved eagle heads.