Matchbox Models of Yesteryear Horse Drawn Carriages 1886 London Omnibus NRFB

By mid nineteenth century, rush hour traffic in London had become so congested, businessmen would often perch on the roofs of single decker omnibuses rather than wait for another. Hence London's first double-decker buses came into existence. These presented a problem, however, and 'decency' boards, such as those seen along the top sides of the bun, were fitted to prevent passersby from looking at the ankles of ladies bold enough to climb to the top. The 'garden seat' variety of the double-decker bus, so called because of the wooden two-seater benches placed along the top deck, operated in London from 1881 until the last one ceased business on the eve of the First World War. The model here seated 24 passengers and was built in 1886.

Meticulously Detailed - Red carriage with signage - Contains: Horse-drawn carriage Omnibus - For Adult Collectors - Matchbox

The box has some wear in the corners and edges, along with a stain on the bottom of the box. The carriage is still in the Styrofoam, and has only been removed for pictures.