**Originally Listed At $500**

North America, United States, ca. 19th century CE. A charming antique wooden rocking horse toy, with a cloth saddle and leather bridle. The horse has rigid legs that are slightly splayed then mounted with iron nails to the rockers beside a pair of horizontal spreader boards. The rump has a tuft of real horse hairs remaining and the paint shows great wear from loving use. The leather bridle has brass disc rivets, and a pair of these brass tacks on both sides of the saddle suggest there were once leather stirrup straps. Included is a mid-20th century black and white photo of a boy seated with a cocker spaniel, and this same rocking horse in the foreground - showing signs of age and years of use - note that the bridle is already missing pieces and the tail is missing most of the hairs already! Perhaps a photo of a previous owner that may have ridden this toy as a small child! Size: 45" L x 11" W x 21" H (114.3 cm x 27.9 cm x 53.3 cm)

The rocking horse evolved from the simpler stick and head hobbyhorse toys that became popular in Medieval Europe. The wooden horse could be a simple barrel on rockers, or as with this example, elaborate with real horsehair and accessories, eventually become realistic works of art for hobby woodcrafters as well as entertainment for children. By the late 19th century industrialization and mass production took away some of the unique aspects of these horses, but they remain a popular toy to this day.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#168719

Not recommended for use. Rockers are split in the center under the horizontal spreader slats and reinforced with a pair of wooden bars that are nailed and glued in place but are slightly loose. These bars are not visible when horse is upright and do not affect overall presentation or stability. Stable pressure fissures throughout the wood, loss to front saddle panel, loosening and protruding nails throughout. Cracking and tearing to cloth fabric, losses to bridal, patina to all iron nails and brass rivets. Missing mane hair and most tail hairs. This horse is well loved and has a wonderful, weathered patina. Included is a vintage photo of this horse!