CD033
King & Country
The design of this particular Chuck Wagon was based on the magnificent original ‘Chuck Wagon’ that can still be seen the Briscoe Museum of Western Art in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. This original model also a host of supplies and other miscellaneous items together with a detachable ‘canvas’ cover.
Everything is carefully packed in a sturdy, full color presentation box and the perfect accompaniment for K&C’s ‘Cattle Drive’ figures and Texas Longhorns.
During the ‘Cattle Drive’ boom that lasted from just after the end of The Civil War in 1865 until the mid 1880s there was one piece of equipment that was indispensable to the cowboys that rode all the way up from Texas to the northern rail heads in Kansas and beyond… the humble, broad-beamed, sturdily-built ‘Chuck Wagon’.
Designed by a cattleman rancher himself, Charles Goodnightthis little wagon, usually pulled by a pair of mules, carried virtually everything a crew of cowboys might need on a lonesome prairie drive that could last as long as five months!
In 1866, Charles Goodnight bought and improved a surplus U.S. Army supply wagon, selected because of its extra durable iron axles. Within the wagon could be stored various items including foodstuffs, bedrolls and, importantly extra ammunition for the cowboys pistols and rifles. Other necessities such as a large, wooden, fresh water barrel for drinking as well as a ‘handy’ tool box were attached to the wagon’s sides.
A strong canvas cover supported by four bentwood bows also provided cover from drenching rain and a blistering sun. A final vital feature of the ‘Goodnight’ wagon was the design and installation of the ‘Chuck Box’ itself.
Perched on the rear of the wagon the door facing aft could be let down onto a pair of wooden legs to become a very practical work surface. Once in the down position, like a Victorian style desk, the ‘Chuck Box’ revealed all kinds of different drawers and cubby holes. Here the cook would store his everyday utensils as well as some of the food, tobacco and simple medicinal remedies he might require on a regular basis.