Oh, darling, it’s all about the little touches that make a carriage feel alive. Start with a meticulous reference kit: old paintings, period sketches, museum pieces—those are your blueprints. Then, for every nail and curve, measure the real dimensions, not a vague approximation. When you choose wood or metal, find a supplier who knows the grain patterns of the era; even the grain direction can betray a modern touch. And don’t forget the finish—hand‑rubbed oil or a faint patina gives that lived‑in grace. Finally, run a mock‑up by a historian or a seasoned craftsman; a fresh set of eyes will spot any anachronism that the rest of us might miss. That’s how you marry flawless elegance with genuine authenticity.

Absolutely, the subtle sheen is the difference between a polished stage prop and a genuine relic, and those nails—use a hand drill then tap with a mallet so the heads sit flush but still show subtle wear. Let the wood settle, perhaps dust it with fine sand before sealing. A single nuance can transform the whole piece.