Catalogue - Thimbleby & Shorland

purchased the coach from the estate on behalf of Mr James R. Coson of Beechdale Farm,
PA. The coach had been in the possession of Mr Domoe for over 25 years. Mr Joel Brown,
having purchased the coach for Mr Coson then carried out restoration work on the coach.
During the restoration he found inside the rear boot door the signature Cowlard & Selby,
November 1891. He also found the name R. Roberts, 42 Broomsleigh St. Further
investigation found in the 1891 census in London a Richard Roberts ex Bangor, Wales, age
23, occupation Coachbuilder. He lodged at 42 Broomsleigh St. West Hampstead with
Richard Evans, a joiner. Cowlard & Selby was a partnership formed in the 1880’s in
London by the former works manager of Holland & Holland firm, Henry Cowlard and Jim
Selby the well known coaching personality.
The Vigilant was sold by Martins Auctioneers in 1989 to Nick Wood and was purchased by
Norman Brown in January 1990. Since then some general work has been carried out on
the coach by Eugene Larkin with the additions of lamps, footboard lamp, leather horn
basket etc. added to complete the Coach.
The Vigilant would always hang a straw collar on a lamp bracket for use in the event of a
horse developing a blister from his harness. The collar would then be cut to accommodate
the blister.
The coach will be sold “Ready for the Road” complete with all appointments.
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