Hide covered horses (calfskin) were very popular prior to the 1930s. This was especially so of German made rocking horses, which generally switched to fabric alternatives during the 1920s. Generally they are not everyone's cup of tea nowadays. Sandy was such a horse, made prior to 1914, which includes side saddle pommel holes, though styling does not indicate a date any earlier than about 1900.
Sandy is definately for the afficionado, there is little point in restoring such hides nowadays, even if the craftsman can be found, the cost would be prohibitive. Having said that Sandy's hide is in good condition for age. Some replacement tack does not do this horse justice, though a mane and tail could look quite close to any original fittings.
Hide covered horses are relatively rare nowadays, many would be survivors have been stripped and painted.
This horse and stand are in sound condition and being sold as is, though any appropriate light restoration can be negotiated according to preference. This has included retaining his rather fetching little bell, a later addition since manufacture, but probably an unknown history of it's own.
Height 37"
Body Length 22"
Overall length of stand 44"
Frederick Henry Ayres was one of the leading late Victorian toy and rocking horse manufacturers. Probably second only to Lines in output, many would regard Ayres as more classic. F H Ayres was innovative with a string of interesting patents for rocking horse designs. The firm was based at 111 Aldersgate, London from 1864 until 1940, supplying most London department stores, such as Harrods as well as being widely exported. Ayres rocking horses are undoubtably the most collectable of antique rocking horses.
To purchase or find out more about this horse, please contact Sally, either by email or phone on the links on the footer, or better still, visit our showroom in the scenic Shropshire Hills, we would be delighted to see you.
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