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Figures Parisiennes no. 1520. Cocher de Fiacre

Source:
postcards.delcampe.net (Item no. 15602622). Click here to view source.

Les Femmes Cocher / 136

A Cocher Miscellany / 3

Picture (left): The cab driver.

A cab driver takng a break with a cigarette in one hand and a glass in the other. Cab laws required drivers to stick close to their cabs to prevent horses from running away and even though this restriction was not rigidly enforced the fear of missing a fare was a strong deterrent against drivers abandoning their cabs for very long.

As a result, cab stands attracted entrepreneurs who provided various services for a fee – wiping down cabs, fetching water for horses, or bringing drivers sandwiches and drinks.

This cab belongs to the Compagnie Nouveau (New Company). The sign below the meter announces that the cab is a heated ("chauffée"). The cab number appears on the lamp, along with cab's home district, Monceau-Batignolles. The meter's flag is in the "up" position, so the meter is not running.