Hedstrom Baby Carriage Appraisal

Vintage 1920s Hedstrom Union Co. Wicker Baby Carriage

This is a fine early 20th-century baby carriage featuring a hand-woven wicker body in a natural tan finish. The carriage is designed with a classic 'over-the-shoulder' pusher handle made of bent steel, characteristic of high-quality buggies from the 1920s era. It sits upon a set of four spoked steel wheels with original rubber tires, supported by a system of C-spring leaf suspension designed to offer a smooth ride. The interior contains a vintage fabric lining in a muted seafoam green or grey tone, which includes safety straps with metal buckles. According to provenance and manufacturer marking, this item was produced by the Hedstrom Union Company in Gardner, Massachusetts. The carriage bears specific regulatory markings from New York (No. 113), Connecticut (No. 255RL), and Massachusetts (GL Chapter 94 Section 270), which were standard for nursery equipment manufacturers of the period to comply with state bedding and upholstery safety laws. The wicker weave shows exceptional craftsmanship with distinct rolled edges and a continuous flow from the seat to the footwell. Despite its age, the structure remains robust; the metal frame shows a deep, natural patina with minimal surface oxidation, and the wicker is remarkably intact with no visible breakage or significant unravelling commonly found in items of this vintage.