Goulburn collection of carriages, bicycles for auction by Donington

The maharajahs of India probably never thought their spectacular carriages would end up in Goulburn, where three are up for auction.

The 1860s vice-regal ceremonial town coach built for the Maharajah of Mysore is up for auction from a private Goulburn collection and has been estimated at $80,000-$90,000.

It may be a long way from the grand palaces of India, but for several years the NSW regional city of Goulburn has been the home to pieces of royal history.

Three 19th-century carriages that once belonged to the maharajahs of Mysore and Wadhwan are part of a private collection of carriages and bicycles that will be auctioned on Sunday. Estimates for that trio range from $20,000 up to $90,000.

The collection going under the hammer also includes a horse-drawn Sydney omnibus (estimated value of $25,000 to $35,000), an 1890 Waterous horse-drawn fire pumper ($30,000–$40,000) and a Hillman, Herbert and Cooper tricycle from 1884 ($30,000–$35,000).

“It’s a lovely city, but I’m sure the maharajah never expected his vehicles to be here,” says Antony Davies, a valuer and long-time carriage collector himself.

“There is actually a very strong carriage driving community, however, in the southern tablelands area of NSW.”

Mr Davies — who said he restored many of the vehicles in the collection and once owned several of them himself — said the current owner had built up his collection with the intention of opening a transport museum in Goulburn, but those plans had changed after he became ill.

The 1890 Waterous horse-drawn fire pump.

The Hillman Herman and Cooper Tricycle.

The horse-drawn Sydney omnibus.

He said the 1860 vice-regal ceremonial town coach in the auction carried many members of the British royal family and government, including Prince Edward (the future King Edward VIII) in 1921 when he toured India. Meanwhile the picnic carriage made for the Maharajah of Wadhwan was used to take guests on tiger hunting excursions.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity and I hope people will appreciate the history of all the vehicles — every single one has some interesting history, the Australian ones as well,” Mr Davies said.

The collection of carriages and bicycles will be open for viewing on Friday and Saturday, with the auction is being conducted by Donington Auctions on Sunday live and online.

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