This is a beautiful scale model of an early 'CONESTOGA WAGON'. These wagons are thought to have originated in Conestoga, Pennsylvania in the early 18th century. They were one of the earliest means of transporting large loads by land in the colonies. They were used to transport goods west for the Indian Trade, and east with the furs, etc. received by traders. The Conestoga Wagon has come to be an icon of American history, an great symbol of the 'Frontier' and westward expansion resulting in the growth of the continental United States.

This finely proportioned model follows the exact lines of an early Conestoga wagon and is built of the same wood and iron material as the original full size wagon.

The model is mounted on a wood base with afixed brass plaque maked, 'G.BELZ 1930'. We are not sure if this is a maker signature, or if the base and marking are the work of a collector in 1930, or if the base & signature represent a museum donation/ exhibition in 1930. The model retains all of its original paint and varnish. The surfaces have developed the superb untouched age patina prized, and not often found, on the best nineteenth century period models. Based on over fifty years experience with antique models we are thinking this is an antique model. We suggest experienced collectors examine the detail pictures found on several pages of pictures accessed by clicking on the picture above.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited in each part of the body and frame is exceptional; each part is built in the manner of the original. We believe whoever built this model had intimate knowledge of early Conestoga Wagons and may well have been involved in building full size wagons.

The brake system works and the front axle turns and is braced as it would be on the full size wagon. The fit and finish work is of the highest standard. An interesting detail is that the cloth potato sack is filled with lead muzzleloading rifle balls, or large buckshot! The grease bucket and water barrel are fine models in their own right.

Viewers of our website have probably realized that we are very impressed by this model's quality, condition, and patina. We also think it an exceptionally charming piece of Americana worthy of exhibition in a private collection or museum.

Dimensions: 37" long x 10" wide x 17" high
Price: $3500.00