Rufus is a stunning extra large Lines rocking horse. Beautifully restored by John Woods, one of the most accomplished restorers you can find, it has brought out all the presence such a rocking horse would have had in an Edwardian nursery.
Dating to circa 1900, this is the rarer J&G Lines (as opposed to G&J!), evidenced by the thicker neck and more angular rump.Rufus has a side saddle pommel, with pommel holes and covers on both sides, such fittings were “de rigeur” for Victorian-Edwardian middle class families. This can be removed if preferred.
His replacement saddle and bridle have been made to the style of the original. His eyes are his original glass ones, and his mane and tail are natural horse hair.
Lines Bros was a company formed after World War 1 by George and Walter Lines, sons of Joseph Lines who had founded the famous Lines company. Lines Bros became Triang in 1927 and went on the absorb the parent company and for a while become the largest toy maker in the world.
They are renowned for their sportiboy model, available in a number of sizes it featured a detachable saddle, bowler hat covers on the irons and pillar tops and the distinctive circular, later triangular triang badge.