My Father is part of a board governing the Curtis Heritage Education Center which is in charge of safe keeping a collection of horse drawn carriages and wagons from throughout history. They have 3 wagons that are part of the same type of carts called Sicilian Carts. One of which draws lots of attention due to the ornate carvings and paintings all over the carriage. Some pictures of the cart and zoomed in paintings/carvings can be found at the below link.
I have been told that this cart was likely brought over to the USA from Italy at the end of World War 2. Maybe as a 'spoils of war' thing (my words, not theirs) by someone higher up in the US military. This cart came to be part of the collection when it was purchased at an auction.
Naturally, we would like to know as much as is possible about the Sicilian Carts in general and this specific cart in particular. So, any pertinent information is much appreciated.
Some specific information we'd like to know:
Approximate year of construction. (Some of the construction techniques point to this being made after 1840, it has machined screws on the sides, but the wheel attachment is not a machined screw, they are hand made matched pairs. the words "corso vittorio emanuele" on the side panels may be referencing a thoroughfare of the same name that was commissioned in 1886 and named after the First King of Italy. Also, the side panel pictures appear to be of Ferdinando Cortes (in Mexico?) which I believe was alive in the 1500's.
More information or context on the pictures and carvings on the cart. As noted above, the cart is Italian made but has pictures of a Spanish Explorer/Conqueror. More information about why this is, as well as translations of the words as well. Some I am able to do using Google. But, I think some words may be spelled differently than the current language, making electronic translation near impossible.
More information on these types of carts; purpose, why they are so ornamental, who would commission something so expensive, etc.
Again, any pertinent information is useful. The CHEC foundation tries to educate people who view these carts and wagons when possible. If you are interested in learning more about CHEC, the website is below.
hi! you might try x-posting this question to /r/Antiques