SQUARE BOW TOP 'OPEN LOT' CARAVAN

T he original full size caravan was built in round 1900 and is now housed at Hartlebury Castle Museum near Kidderminster.  This caravan was sometimes known as a 'Flap Waggon'.

The original caravan was not a 'high class' vehicle as Gypsy caravans go, but contains some unusual features.  For example: - the spring sets are six in number, where four would have been the more usual layout.  The wheels are of a different design and construction to the usual construction.  The shafts in which the horse is harnessed are of a lighter weight construction than normal.  The model is in 1/8^th scale and is decorated on the four outside elevations.  The interior walls being painted white.  Materials used to construct the model were quality hardwood and brass for the metalwork.

The furnishings: -

• The bedchamber is of the bunk bed layout.  The upper bed being enclosed by sliding doors.  The lower bed by four decorated, folding doors.  Mirrors are fitted inside the bedchamber and beds are complete with bedclothes.
• The ceiling is decorative and covered in Welsh plaid.
• The stove is of brass and copper. A brass kettle sits on the stove.
• Built-in cupboards with opening doors and drawers are painted brown.  Inside the cupboards are twenty miniature plates
• There are three paintings of wild roses to adorn the interior walls and the glass windows are dressed with floral patterned curtains

The Ray Amphlett Collection

This collection is for sale - preferably to a museum or exhibitor