Dating rocking horses

How to identify old rocking horses?

To identify old rocking horses is not always easy, particularly early horses on bow rockers, often made by skilled but unknown craftsmen. A number of specialist rocking horse makers emerged in the 19th century who started by making horses on bows, then from 1880, on safety stands to the Marqua patent, continuing long after the patent expired.

Are there any rocking horses made by other makers?

These rocking horses are by makers who are less well known than the big three, but some of whom nevertheless produced wonderful horses, as well carved and as beautiful as the Ayres and Lines horses. SWAN TOYS of Leeds – Beautifully carved rocking horses, often made for Gamages Department Store – quite rare.

Why are dappled grey rocking horses so popular?

To satisfy this need rocking horses were made in huge numbers, with the dapppled grey horse proving the most popular and chosen by both King George the Fourth and Queen Victoria. Many alternative colourings have been tried, but the Dappled Grey rocking horse has remained a consistent favourite with children of all ages.

What is an Ajoy Rocking Horse?

A fully restored medium Ajoy rocking horse, which shows the baluster turned stand columns and the sharply chamfered ends to the top rail which are typical of this maker. Brackets are three pointed and similar to those of Lines horses.

How big is a rocking horse by lines?

Rocking horse by Lines – A substantial and nicely carved Sportiboy horse, intermediate sized, suitable for riders up to about 12 years of age. Fully restored and ready for the next 100 years. Measurements are: Height 44″ Length 52″ Width 16″ Small Sportiboy c1920’s Rocking Horse by Lines Bros.

How do you identify a Haddon Rocking Horse?

The earlier Haddon rocking horses are often found with the plaques still intact to the stand which have the place name of manufacture on, either Didcott or Wallingford ( The eventer model on bow rockers was manufactured by Haddon circa 1970s ) one of their earliest made.

What is an antique Rocking Horse?

Antique rocking horses can be distinguished by their era. From the 17 th century, when rocking horses became a thing and were in demand, to the late 19 th century, when their popularity began to decline, antique rocking horses have evolved a great deal. Based on their age, let’s look at some different types of antique rocking horses.

How do I identify an FH Ayres Rocking Horse?

Identification of an FH Ayres Rocking Horse An Ayres rocking horse can be identified by its turned pillars on the stand, and the 4 holes in the brackets on the top of the stand. .

What is a rocking horse?

A rocking horse is a childs toy, usually shaped like a horse and mounted on rockers similar to a rocking chair.

Who made the most popular rocking horses?

Frederick Henry Ayres was the most popular English rocking horse maker in the Victorian era, and the rocking horses he made were both Bow Rockers and Marqua safety stands. Today, antique rocking horse collectors consider the toy horses made by this company the most sought after alongside its competitor (G.J Lines Ltd).

How to identify a leeway Rocking Horse?

Brackets are three pointed and similar to those of Lines horses. Hoof rails are plain and rounded at theends. The very wide open mouth and rather pointed ends to the hoof also help with identification. This Patterson Edwards ‘Leeway’ rocking horse has been overpainted and saddlery is not original.

What kind of horse is the Swallow toys Rocking Horse?

This particular horse, unrestored but not in original paint, is a Swallow Toys No. 21 Rocking Horse and is very similar to the Lines No. 21 horse, often being confused with it.