Offered here is an extraordinary and seldom-seen survivor of early American craftsmanship-a beautifully preserved 1904 McCabe-Bierman Carriage Company Wagonette with surrey top, a remarkable piece of transportation history with direct ties to one of the most celebrated events in the nation's past, the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
Founded in St. Louis during the late 19th century, the McCabe-Bierman Carriage Company quickly established itself as one of the region's premier builders of high-quality horse-drawn vehicles. At a time when St. Louis stood as a gateway to the West and a thriving industrial hub, the company supplied elegant and durable carriages to both private owners and commercial operators. Their craftsmanship was prominently showcased during the 1904 World's Fair, where this very wagonette was displayed in the sales pavilion-an exhibition that highlighted the latest innovations in transportation just as the automobile age was beginning to emerge.
Following the original firm's success, its legacy continued through its successor, the McCabe-Powers Carriage Company, further cementing the McCabe name in Midwestern carriage manufacturing history. This continuity reflects the strong family and business ties that sustained the brand well into the early 20th century.
This particular example boasts an exceptional and uninterrupted provenance. It remained within the Powers family from new, carefully preserved across generations before being selected for public exhibition by the Missouri Historical Society. From 2001 through 2022, it was proudly displayed at the Missouri History Museum as part of a McCabe-Bierman Wagon Company exhibit, allowing thousands of visitors to appreciate its historical importance and craftsmanship.
Acquired directly from the Vickie & Edward Powers Estate, the wagonette now resides with the St. Louis Car Museum, where it continues to be showcased as a centerpiece of early transportation history.
Designated as Model No. 212, this impressive 12-passenger wagonette was purpose-built for group transport, likely serving sightseeing, hospitality, or fairground use. It features dual longitudinal bench seating measuring approximately nine feet along each side, comfortably accommodating passengers in a sociable, face-to-face arrangement. The surrey-style overhead roof provides shade and protection, while a rear step entry allows for convenient access.
Accompanying the carriage are its original-style draft pole harness rigs, enhancing both its display presence and functional authenticity. Also included is a collection of historical documentation from the Missouri Historical Society, along with period and exhibition photographs that further substantiate its provenance and exhibition history.
Today, this 1904 McCabe-Bierman Wagonette stands as a rare and tangible link to the golden age of horse-drawn transportation and the grandeur of the St. Louis World's Fair. With its documented history, family lineage, and museum pedigree, it represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a true American artifact-equally suited for prominent collection display, museum exhibition, or historically focused venues.
