For rocking horse restoration information and materials go to Sally's Restorations
Buying a rocking horse is a major decision, so it's important to get it right. I generally sell antique and vintage rocking horses, though not exclusively. The first real decision you need to make is whether you want to buy old or new.
The carousel below shows some of the quality contemporary rocking horses I may have. These are usually quality horses by Stevenson Bros, Legends, Whithers or Horsecraft to name a few. Usually they are in excellent condition and at a considerable discount over new.
Very few new rocking horses match the carving quality of yesteryear, and those that do command equivalent prices, however new rocking horses generally have a quality blemish free finish.
Your next decision is whether you want an original antique or one that has been restored. The latter usually look new, in fact everything visible like paintwork, tack and the mane and tail has been replaced. Originality retains the war wounds that a horse may have picked up in the course of a long career, its almost as if they want to tell you their story. The first carousel shows restored rocking horses...
The next carousel shows horses retaining some originality.
The bigger the horse, the more it is likely to cost. A collector with limited space may prefer small nursery type bows and other smaller rocking horses. Someone with a large house may want a large rocking horse as a statement in a suitable room.
Generally if children are considered, anything over 37" high should be more than adequate - it will be a good size for a seven year old, they tend not to actually ride as much after this age. It will still suffice up to eleven or twelve years, after which most children have moved on.
A very large horse may even be a little daunting to smaller children.
There were numerous rocking horse makers from the Victorian period into the interwar years. Ayres and Lines stand out to most people, being volume manufacturers but of high quality. There are numberous others, some at least as good.
The following is are guide prices, generally the more sought after maker, the larger the horse, it's condition and if it was a "deluxe" model all affect the price it will command.
These rocking horses will command premium prices for the same condition.
A 40" high Ayres or similar will be about £1,500.
A 48" high Ayres or similar say £2,000 to £2,500.
A 52" will be £3,000 to £3,500 and something about 55" high £5,000 to £6,000.
Add £300 - £400 for "extra carving".
A few really collectable horses, such as Ayres D types, swivel heads or spring stands will go even higher.
A good vintage rocking horse such as a
will come in a little cheaper.
A 38" Collinsons will be about £1,000
A 47" Collinsons about £1,250
A 52" Collinsons £1,500, with a 55" Collinsons at about £1,800.
(All these prices vary by condition and quality of restoration.)
rocking horses are much more variable. Well known quality makes such as Stevensons in good condition will be about 2/3 of their current retail prices.
Less well known brands, are considerably cheaper, prices being reflected in condition, quality of carving and overall construction.
I usually have between 30 and 40 rocking horses in stock. If you are looking for an old rocking horse, this is the site to browse. Do get in touch if you can't find what you are after here, a lot of my stock doesn't get on the website, with new stock often selling before it even gets listed.
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