Mark Cross and Co. Harness

The Carriage Museum is proud to conserve and display this beautiful harness, made by Mark Cross & Co. of Boston, Massachusetts for Matthew Chaloner Durfee Borden in 1912.

In 1845, an Irish saddler named Henry W. Cross opened his own leather goods shop on Boston’s Summer Street and named it after his son Mark who joined the business at age 17. Their reputation for fine work was soon established and the harness and saddles they produced were prized among horsemen.

They expanded their inventory to include stable tools and supplies at reasonable prices. Their motto was “Never to be undersold, Never to misrepresent our goods, and Never to allow a reasonable customer to be dissatisfied.” By 1872, Mark Cross opened its first store in New York City, with others following in London, Paris, and Milan.

As the need for leather goods diminished with the coming of the automobile, Mark Cross & Co. moved into the market of fine luggage and handbags for which they are known today.

Advertisements on Wheels

Commercial vehicles often served a dual purpose. They were used not only to deliver goods but also to advertise the goods they carried. In May 1979, a delivery wagon design featured in The Hub included the explanation that “there is an increasing demand  by business houses in large cities for original and stylish wagons for delivering goods; and such vehicles, by attracting attention in the streets, are considered paying advertisements.” Over time, the vehicle styles evolved and became increasingly decorative.

This vehicle design, from Messrs. Baldwin & Co. of New York City, is "especially intended for the delivery of trunks, valises, satchels, and other traveling conveniences." The body is clearly designed to mimic a trunk and features a sign-board on top that could be customized with a specific business name. From The Hub, August 1886.

Designed by Mr. Mark Galvin of Louisville, KY. "In the design herewith illustrated, the body proper represents a cugg; the seat represents a collar; the lamp, a cake of soap; and the door-handle, the handle of a clothes-wringer." From The Hub, October 1889.

"The shape and style of the body herewith illustrated call for special attention. The curved corners, the shape of the side lights, the three pictures on rear and side surfaces, the artistic lettering, new style of lamps, the plated rails and handles and electric lamps all around the top, are bound to attract and deserve the attention of users of such vehicles, wherever they may be. This illustration shows a business wagon in the real sense of the word. It is designed to advertise the business and leave a good impression." From The Carriage Monthly, May 1902.

"With this plate, we illustrate an original style designed for newspaper work, for station and carriers' service. The design is original, and specially designed for the purpose it is intended for, and of which our great newspapers are in need of, and at the same time it is one of the most effective advertisements in large cities in which the paper is printed." From The Carriage Monthly, January 1891.

"The vehicle illustrated by Fashion Plate No. 59, is a decided novelty; it is designed to attract attention and is an advertisement in itself that is sure to be seen when delivering goods." From The Hub, January 1892.