In the years before planes, trains, and automobiles crossed the American landscape, citizens traveled by stagecoaches, which carried anyone willing to pay the fare between two or more stops, in “stages,” according to a posted schedule. The industry standard in stagecoaches was produced by the Abbott Downing Company of Concord, New Hampshire, established in 1813. Their product became known simply as the “Concord coach,” a name that continues to be applied to virtually all stagecoaches of this bygone era.

The Concord-style coach offered here is believed to have been produced in modern times by Latham Coach Works of Fortuna, Missouri. Solidly built using original methods, its wooden bodywork is finished in rich red with hand-painted patriotic motifs, mounted on a leather thoroughbrace suspension system atop straw yellow running gear. Having been originally built with tourism use in mind, it thus has a few desirable “tweaks,” including roller-bearing axles, for ease of maintenance; rubber tires on the wheels, providing a more quiet ride; and 12-volt electric carriage lamps, as well as leads for four-in-hand.

Following its acquisition by Clive and Janet Cussler from Hansen Wheel & Wagon Shop of Letcher, South Dakota, in 2019, the coach was further accessorized with a collection of period-correct and antique luggage, which accompanies the coach along with a replica lever-action rifle in the scabbard, hide robe across the driver’s compartment, and other accessories—resulting in a very memorable presentation, indeed.

Sure to become one of the great showstopping conversation pieces in its next owner’s collection, or an inventive way for the enthusiast of another kind of horsepower to transport guests around their property, this is a wonderful piece of Western Americana, proudly offered in a state that celebrates that rich heritage.