Irish Jaunting Cart - John Deere Heritage - Friendship Farms (FF) Silvis IL

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Irish Jaunting Cart - John Deere Heritage - Friendship Farms (FF) Silvis IL :
$1950.00

ANTIQUE IRISH JAUNTING CART FROM PATRICIA HEWITT’S ESTATE (FRIENDSHIP FARM)

We purchased the Friendship Farm’s Irish Cart (Silvis, IL) in 1992 from Patricia Hewitt’s estates (great, great granddaughter of John Deere). Mrs. Hewitt was an avid traveler and horseperson, purchasing this on one of her many trips. Husband was William A. Hewitt who was CEO of John Deere from 1955-1982.

This Irish Jaunting Cart was built by J. Tarrant & Son of Killarney, Ireland.

We\'re estimating the circa to be approximately 1900! The heritage is typically Irish used as a commercial taxi, and because of its separated seats over each wheel, it is sometimes called a courting cart! The cart is light green with white lettering with white wheels and has the Friendship Farm Logo (FF).

The \"jaunting car\" was Dublin\'s predominant cab vehicle. It seems to have originated in the early 1800\'s as the \"noddy\", essentially a low-slung farm cart with seats. By the end of the century it had evolved into a charming conveyance with two back-to-back bench seats facing out to each side. Despite its size, the cart could accommodate up to four passengers sitting with their legs hanging over the sides. Its ability to carry this number of people on two wheels was the chief advantage of the design. Footboards helped keep the passengers in place. The jaunting cart is still used extensively in Ireland to give day tours to tourists.

Here are a few links for more info: class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 0in 0in 0pt;\">

The Irish Jaunting Car Song:

Jaunting Car received world-wide attention when in 1952 the cart was featured in John Ford’s Oscar Award winning classic movie THE QUIET MAN. During the first formal courting scene, involving the characters played by John Wayne, Maureen O\'Hara, and Barry Fitzgerald, the cart is seen throughout the film as the main mode of transport.

Our cart has been stored in an enclosed carriage room, along with several other carriages. Rather than attempt restoration, we have decided to list the cart as is. The cart will need restoration, but the overall condition is remarkable for its age. One shaft will need repaired; back plate is cracked, as well as wheel hubs. Looks like mohair upholstery and it does have several sections that are torn. Note the front and back of the cart carry the distinctive script FF which is the logo for Friendship Farms. It also has a bronze plate showing: Builder – J. Tarrant & Sons – Killarney.

Specifications are as follows:

Wheels - 41” Height - 70” Width - 78” Length (including Shafts) - 160” Shafts - 72”

Side Seats – 39” Wide Driver’s Seat - 17” Wide. Weight is undetermined, but it is heavy and very well made!

Possible use for the Irish Cart could be for display at any Irish Special Event - Gift Shop, Restaurant, Pub, Parades – or a great addition to any cart or carriage collection. Cart can be viewed by appointment @ Belezaire Farm, Geneseo, IL.

Buyer to assume All Transportation Responsibilities.Local Pickup. Located in Geneseo, IL - 20 minutes from John Deere, headquarters in Moline, IL!