Betty is a rare spring horse made by Bashall Toys, Thames Ditton, between 1933-40 in fully original condition.
Made in plywood and pine with metal wheels, the spring mechanism was provided by a pair of springs under the front legs moving the horse on a pivot under the rear legs. The horse could therefore "rock" and also move on it's four wheels, the front pair of which were steerable.
These spring horses were one of this marques earliest and most popular toys. There is a partial remnant of the company trademark on the base, all in full working condition and sound apart from light woodworm which has been treated.
Height 26"
Width 13.5"
Length Overall 38"
Front wheel dia 6", Rear wheel dia 8.5"
Betty Bashall was a keen woodworker who designed a wide range of wooden toys. She started making various toys, often trying them out on her own children before putting them into production in a small workshop she had set up in Thames Ditton. She often marketed her toys by sending a selection out in a van, initially a converted Bentley, for prospective customers to view.
She was trading from 1933 until 1940 when her workshop found a new role making parts for Mosquito bombers.
