The wood species of the historic gala berlines of the Palazzo Pitti in Florence

The wood species of 18th- and 19th-century Italian historic berlines (gala carriages mainly made of wood) housed in the Palazzo Pitti museum in Florence were investigated using non-destructive techniques based on the use of portable digital microscopes. Overall, thirteen wood taxa were identified. Among those, walnut (Juglans regia) was the most abundant species in berlines commissioned by noblemen of high rank, such as kings, princes and grand dukes, whereas in the other carriages of lower lineage, the walnut was replaced by elm (Ulmus sp.) wood, a species commonly used for carriages. Some species were typically present in specific parts of the structures, such as elm and ash (Fraxinus sp.) in the transoms and struts of the undercarriage, oak (Quercus sp.) in the wheel's spokes, poplar (Populus sp.) in the seats, panels and mouldings of the body and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in the light frames. Species found only occasionally, including chestnut (Castanea sativa), fir (Abies alba) and spruce (Picea abies), may have been introduced in occasions of restoration or substitution. The results also showed a preference for the use of local species, which is different from carriages in other European countries where exotic species were already used.