Antique Wagon & Stagecoach Collection

Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time soaking up details from countless, horse-drawn vehicle catalogs, photos, patents, ledgers, directories, and even blueprints.  The exercise has been vital to understanding the evolution and changes within individual brands as well as capturing unparalleled insights into America’s first transportation industry.  Even so, the value of traveling to different locations and viewing actual vehicles in their native surroundings is irreplaceable.  From the rugged terrain of the mountainous West to the wide open feel of the plains, every old set of wheels was built as much for a certain region as well as a particular purpose.

From California to Virginia, Texas to North Dakota, and Mississippi to Delaware, I’ve had the privilege of viewing public and private collections all over the U.S.  Some are focused on specific designs while others encompass a broader range of vehicle types.  One of the most diverse collections I’ve come across is the group gathered by Doug Hansen in Letcher, South Dakota.  While many know Doug for the early vehicles he and his team have restored or built, fewer have seen the full spectrum of his personal collection.  Recently, he shared several photos with us that showed nine different western vehicles in his collection.  From an early spring wagon and Concord coach to a pair of large freighters and heavy-duty log wagons, these old wheels do a good job of conveying the wide range of vehicles used on the frontier. 

The wide assortment of transportation in Doug Hansen’s collection helps reinforce the different vehicle designs used on America’s western frontier.

One of the rarer pieces in Hansen’s collection is a Peter Schuttler brand log truck.  It’s a vehicle equipped with several unique features including a patented axle truss.  Schuttler built four different models of this design with capacities ranging from three to six tons.  With it engineered to carry so much weight, the gear is fashioned with massive bolsters and hounds as well as beefy brake blocks and hubs.  It also features an oscillating reach for navigation of rugged, uneven terrain.  Provenance of the vehicle ties it to the famed Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota.  The mine closed just after the turn of the 21st century but, it was once considered to be the largest gold mine in North America.  Gold was discovered there in 1876 and silver was also uncovered in the mine.  According to Hansen, there is a sister wagon to this one in the Days of ‘76 Museum in Deadwood, South Dakota.  From the gold mining connection to the brand, itself, these wheels carry some intriguing history. 

This Peter Schuttler wagon gear was referred to as a Montana Log Truck.

Also in Hansen’s collection is a stagecoach with roots to the Redig, South Dakota community.  This special mud wagon was acquired in 1997 and restored by Hansen and his team in Letcher.  Since completion, it’s been driven on numerous historic trails, including the legendary Ft. Pierre to Deadwood route.  The period photo below is part of the vehicle’s personal history or provenance, providing greater documentation and authentication to the piece.

Doug Hansen purchased this historic stagecoach nearly two decades ago and restored it to its original glory.

Among other vehicles in the collection is a tall-sided Studebaker freight wagon that Hansen restored several years ago.  These heavy vehicles were essential in keeping the West outfitted throughout the mid to late 1800’s.  Nonetheless, most of these giant transports have not survived so it’s important to give due credit when we run across one.  Of course, farm wagons were also a popular design in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.  While most of these have also disappeared, millions were created so there are naturally more that have survived.  A few years back, Hansen shared that he came across an original, triple box Mitchell farm wagon.  Mitchell is a legendary brand with deep roots in the 1800’s.  He was fortunate to find it in exceptional condition with a great deal of original paint. 

Diversity, provenance, quality condition, and high levels of originality are strong elements to have in any early vehicle collection.

Clearly, Doug has an eye for rare pieces and we appreciate the opportunity to see a few of his keepsakes.  From time to time, we’ll be sharing other collections of America’s early wagons, coaches, and western vehicles.  So, if you have a special set of wheels or an entire warehouse full that you’d like us to feature here, drop us a line.  We’d love to hear from you.  It’s always a pleasure to see and share history.  Have a great week!

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