Clearly, for any subject to be fully appreciated, its
elements must be understood. Plus, once
we have a good grasp of the terms, it’s easier to communicate and convey the significance
of every surviving heavy transport.
The term ‘drag shoe’ refers to a wagon accessory
used in tandem with the braking of the rear wheel(s) during rugged downhill
travel. As seen it the photo above, its
heavy, cast metal design is engineered to allow wagon and coach wheels to ride
on it in order to save wear and tear on the metal tire. As part of this arrangement, the wheel is
locked in place by a chain and the resulting drag helps slow the vehicle’s
descent.
Like other elements of horse drawn vehicles, drag
shoes came in a wide variety of sizes and styles as well as patents. One such patent was both applied for and
granted in 1892. Optimizing a vehicle
driver’s time, convenience, load safety and equipment security, Gustave Homes
of St. Louis, Missouri proposed an automatic drag shoe device that would be
attached to a wagon. This innovation was
engineered in such a way that it could be lowered and raised without ever
leaving the driver’s seat and relinquishing control of the draft animals.
Also part of the patent, an accompanying calk (see
below) could be attached to the shoe to add even more ‘bite’ and drag while
descending particularly dangerous inclines.
While we’ve never seen evidence of this device on a wagon, individual
drag shoes of all sizes and types have become much sought after by collectors
and enthusiasts.
