Recalling winters in New York City, Elizabeth Drexel Lehr wrote: “On midwinter afternoons the air was full of the tinkle of sleigh bells; the snow churned up by the beat of the hooves fell in a glittering spray as the sleighs passed and repassed each other in Central Park … Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt would flash by in a blaze of red … dark red liveries, red carriage work … crimson plumes, red and gilt tassels … carved gold bells on the horses.” This late 19th-century rumble seat sleigh from our coaching collection is an example of one owned by the Vanderbilts. It has a high dash to protect passengers from flying snow, graceful metal scrolling above the runners, and is painted in Vanderbilt livery with the monogram “CV” on the sides. Typically, a groom would sit in the rear rumble seat to help lift the weight off the front runners. (Gift of Countess Nandine Eltz, 1979). #NewportMansions #Sundayread #history #preserve #GildedAge #antiquesleigh #sleigh