Gig [Ladies Gig]
Object detail
Accession number
1964.35
Production period
Description
A 2-wheeled vehicle painted a dark scarlet with bright varnished mudguards, black painted ironwork and yellow painted shafts. Original buttoned leatherette upholstery. Rubber tyres on wheels.
Brief History
A gig is a light two-wheeled single-seated vehicle used for transporting two or three people. This gig would have been drawn by one horse. This type is known as a ladies gig because of its wide mudguards over the wheels which helped to protect the long skirts traditionally worn by women from the mud churned up by the gig wheels.
By the late 19th century gigs were very common in New Zealand. They had springs which meant the ride was comfortable on New Zealand’s rougher roads and they usually had room to carry bags or parcels. This example has rubber tyres which would have also made for a smoother ride.
There are many different types of gigs including the Doctor’s gig, the Skeleton gig, the Butterfly gig and the Dennett gig. They are usually different shapes or have different seating configurations.
By the late 19th century gigs were very common in New Zealand. They had springs which meant the ride was comfortable on New Zealand’s rougher roads and they usually had room to carry bags or parcels. This example has rubber tyres which would have also made for a smoother ride.
There are many different types of gigs including the Doctor’s gig, the Skeleton gig, the Butterfly gig and the Dennett gig. They are usually different shapes or have different seating configurations.
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Gig [Ladies Gig], 1964.35. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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