There’s already a buzz about the next Reading carriage sale.  There’s been anticipation around the late Ben Turner collection being sold for some time, since his tragic and untimely death.

Thanks to the patience and transporting skill of Max White and his team, Richard Dance was able to confidently load Ben’s carriages onto the long, low loaders and get them safely to Reading where they are being stored ahead of the sale on 1^st April.  There’s also plenty of harness and collectable items too.

Highlights of the collection are the Hansom Cab, ‘Falcon’ Road Coach, High Flyer Phaeton with a basketweave seat, a Mendyka Mail Phaeton and a Wagonette Break thought to be by Henry Whitlock.

Ben loved his coaching and the social side of it, making any outing into a fun gathering.  But he really loved anything connected to the ‘Wild West’ and American driving history.  Many will remember him bringing an entourage of several turnouts and lots of friends to the London Harness Horse Parade, with everyone dressed up as cowboys or girls.

One of Ben’s proudest moments was winning the Road Coach class at Royal Windsor in 2022, having been second to his mentor Bob Alexander or frequent winners John & Pebs Brown.  Ben also supplied turnouts for the evening pageant in 2019 and was particularly proud to drive his Hansom Cab, and claimed to be related to the original designer.

Another pursuit which interested Ben was helping Tony and Chris Drewitt with their horse-drawn fire engine displays.  There’s an interesting American fire engine in the sale.

The collection is eclectic and ranges from his two big American Overland Coaches, Chuck Wagons, English style Coaches and Breaks, to Drays, a Hearse, Gypsy Wagons, Farm Implements, Ralli Cars, and American Surreys & Buggies.  Ben bought carriages in the UK and during his frequent trips to America, but perhaps the item that really epitomises him is his ‘Mad Max Mobile’ which is a converted VW Beetle.  He planned the project for years and no one quite believed he’d pull it off, but he did – as only Ben could!

For the full auction catalogue, visit the Thimbleby & Shorland website – www.tsauction.co.uk.  Viewing is on Tuesday 31^st March in Reading.  Online registration and bidding is an option if you cannot attend the sale in person.  Please contact the T & S office directly for queries or estimates