More suited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to take a romantic ride through the snow than a sleigh, this Antique Portland Cutter was meant to be a cozier way to get around. They wouldn’t have been as popular for such things as delivering presents around the world as they’re typically smaller than a sleigh. This “sports sleigh” is listed here on eBay in Greenville, West Virginia, and they’re asking $3,200 or best offer.
The 1903 Curved Dash Oldsmobile probably wasn’t patterned after a Portland Cutter, but the classic and beautiful, flowing craftsmanship of the upper curved dash growing out of the curved front portion of the continuous wood runners is a classic look. The early 1800s were when the Portland Cutter was first used, and the design is generally attributed to Maine inventor Peter Kimball, a carriage builder. Santa would have to carry nothing but gift cards if he were relegated to using a cutter rather than his much bigger sleigh for hauling presents.
The cutter is still in the sleigh family, but was generally faster, smaller, and more cozy with the wrap-around construction meant to help keep its riders warmer, both by blocking the wind and having them sit close together. Think of the traditional sleigh as the minivan of sleighs and the Portland cutter as the sports car of the sleigh world. This example appears to be in nice condition, and it would be fun to display it as is, or restore it structurally and use it on the snow as it was intended.
The Portland Cutter was a lightweight sleigh often used for racing, and there are reports of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow watching sleigh races in Boston. Portland Cutters generally cost between $20 and $150 in the early 1900s, and were, of course, powered by a horse or a pair of horses. This one comes with many related parts and pieces, and while being on the small side for Santa, it would be fun to own! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to the Barn Finds family of readers!
Yeah, can’t haul much coal in that buggy!
Dad used to refinish antique furniture on the side and was good at it. Someone from Tennessee saw his work and drove one just like this up in pretty rough condition to be redone. It took about six weeks but came out beautiful. This is the only other I’ve ever seen built the same with the wicker. I have a picture of that somewhere in storage.
This is really neat Scotty. And I’m hoping it doesnt become just a piece of yard art, but actually can be restored. So…. Ummm…. Scotty…… About that crew cab version of this??? Just kidding. You never cease to surprise us here with what will come up next, great festive find Scotty!!!
Fun write-up Scotty. You’ve been waiting for just the right day to publish this sleigh!
To put their original cost in perspective, $20 to $150 equates to something like $600 to $5000 today. So they were not cheap.