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I GN fob A RST SA RT Tar Collecting for 15 years: He calls himself '"'a buggy nut." It's a term Ralph Sadler and others like him use to describe the way they feel about the restoration of old carriages and buggies. Mr. Sadler, who lives just" east of Caesarea, has been collecting and restoring old carriages for the past 15 years. "l like to see them restored to their original state, or as near as poss- ible", he said in a recent interview with the Star. For Mr. Sadler there is obviously a personal chal- lenge in taking a rusty, dilapidated old buggy that's been collecting dust for decades, and then with great care begin to replace certain parts, add new leather upholstery, a fresh gleaming, coat of paint, until the carriage is restored to a state that would suit the Ten years ago, he bought 20 old buggies, and says "I figured I was ready for collecting on a serious basis." ) Now, the storage shed on his farm is filled with several old carriages waiting for ~ restoration, along with numerous wheels, harnesses and other parts. One is a 1914 McLaughlin made in Oshawa. Another is a Ladies Fayette, made in France. Mr. Sadler found this one at an auction in Brooklin, and he is working on the restora- tion in time for this year's Royal Winter Fair. Unlike some collectors who refuse to part with any of their carriages, Mr. Sadler is constantly buying and selling, stating that he has to do this to be able to buy if he sees one that catches his eye. fancy of any turn-of-the century lady or gentleman. According to Mr. Sadler, almost any carriage is restorable no matter how poor condition it may be in, but the most important thing is to start with four good wheels. A blacksmith by trade, Mr. Sadler still operates a shop on his farm, and has found that he can make just about any part for an old carriage including the iron-work, the hardware, and sections of the wooden frame. Mr. Sadler has been a . blacksmith almost all his life, and says. that his interest in his hobby started years ago when fixing buggies was part of the job. About 15 years ago, he bought his first buggy for restoration at an auction in Shawville, P.Q. It's a Brant- ford Extension Top Surrey, Mr. Sadler still has it and says there is a lot of demand from people wanting to rent it for special occasions. Just wanted something a little different . . He does have several that he will not sell. One is a "Pleasure Gig", made in Whitby about 1860. Mr. Sadler believes it is one of a kind, probably custom- made, and its outstanding feature are two pieces of mirror glass in the hub caps. "I guess the person who had the carriage built that way just wanted something a little different," he says. Aside from the intrinsic value of a restored carriage for show and special occasion, Mr. Sadler says that more and more people are seeking carriages for practical use. People want them to take their kids for a Ralph Sadler displays carriage wheel, the most important part in the process of restoring old carriages. ride, for pleasure driving on a Sunday afternoon. A completely restored buggy will cost whatever the interested buyer is willing to pay, and that of course varies from person to person. Mr. Sadler says it costs him several hundred dollars to put a carriage back into top condition, and the price of such things as leather upholstery and paints are going up all the time. Also, there seems to be an increased interest on the part of the public in old carriages, and they are getting harder and harder to find. Mr. Sadler obviously is proud of the work he does on restoration. He enjoys putting them on public display, and visitors to the opening of the Scugog Shores Museum last May will recall PORT PERRY STAR -- Wednesday, July 4, 1979 -- 13 . Ralph Sadler... the "buggy nut" seeing several carriages in - 1%: Mr. Sadler's collection. "I get a kick out of it," he says with a smile. "I like to put on a good show." Talking to this blacksmith, one gets the impression that he also gets a big kick out of working with his hands, and the long hours spent care- fully restoring a carriage that could be anywhere from 75 to 100 years old. One of the finest restored carriages in Mr. Sadler's collection is this "Pleasure Gig', built about 1860 in Whitby. It is thought to be one of a kind and has a unique feature with pieces of mirrored glass in each wheel hub. "I guess the original owner just wanted something a little different, is the explanation offered by Mr. Sadler. Never before in wolpaper history. has a retaler made avaiable to the pubic such an incredible offer 30% off the rnakers' book price on every wallpaper book n the store. That's every book. Over 25000 patterns Beoutfies ond protects Avaiabie n sow hide of sem honsparent Your chose of % MIDTOWN MALL 576-2431 4 St Clair, , 4 Hurry in now ond save 30% on oll famous brand nomes Bige. Woiltex. Sunworthy and more. 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