ROCKING HORSES
Rocking horses, which once graced the nurseries of well-to-do Victorian and Edwardian households, are eagerly sought by today's collectors who value them as pleasing pieces of furniture in any room
The first rocking horses for children were probably made in the 17th century and were of a somewhat crude design, with a head and tail attached to solid semi-circular wooden rockers.
The classic form of the rocking horse - a galloping steed on a pair of bow-shaped rockers - was devised in the late 18th century and remained the standard type right through to the 1880s. It is still the type most beloved of collectors.
These rocking horses were realistically carved and generally had pricked ears, an open mouth and flared nostrils, with the head extended forward as if they were racing. Some were painted, frequently as dappIed greys, with black patches on the legs and black hooves.
The nostrils, eyes, mouth and ears were picked out in colour, and some even had glass eyes. The most prized horses sported manes and tails of luxuriant white horsehair and wore finely crafted leather bridles and saddles, sometimes with a fabric saddle-cloth.
By the early 19th century, manufacturers were advertising rocking horses as desirable toys for children of both sexes.
Girls, however, were expected to ride demurely side-saddle. Some rocking horses were even fitted with a small wicker chair so that girls could rock with the decorum appropriate to a young lady.
THE TRESTLE SUPPORT
Attractive though the horse on its bow rockers was, the possibility of its rocking right over when ridden too enthusiastically made it potentially unsafe for the boisterous child.
Even the counter-turned ends did not always prevent mishaps. In the 1880s, a safer platform was devised and the rocking motion was replaced by a gentler back and forth movement.
The horse's legs were attached to a pair of planks which swung on metal brackets mounted each end of a trestle-like structure.
As well as making for a safer ride, trestle mounted rocking horses took up less space than those on rockers, and they did not move about, mark the floor or gouge holes in walls or furniture.
For all that, however, bow rockers are still considered the most attractive, with their clean lines and prancing legs.
The rocking horse has been called the king of toys and often took pride of place in the centre of a child's bedroom, poised ready for imaginary exploits and adventures.
Today these handsome beasts continue to bring delight to children and adults alike.
COLLECTOR'S NOTES
Rocking horses of the 18th and early 19th century tended to be rather narrow, with steep bow rockers; paintwork featured irregular spots.
As the 19th century progressed, horses became broader and their rockers less steep; necks and heads were held high and the dappling assumed a more regular pattern.
The method of manufacture changed little. The body was built up with as many as a dozen separate blocks of wood - usually pine or beech - roughly carved to the appropriate shape and either glued or tenoned together.
After planing and sanding, the horse was painted with gesso to smooth over the joints, followed by a coat of white paint, the grey dapples and a coat of varnish.
When it had been fixed to its rockers or trestle, the horse's mane, tail, saddle and bridle were added.
After soundness of construction, one of the most important features of a rocking horse is a good head; the eyes should be well defined, the ears pricked and the nostrils flared.
Ideally, the paintwork should be original; even if it does show signs of wear this is preferable to repainting. The saddle, stirrups and harness should also be original.
The mane and tail should be made of real horsehair and luxuriant. Check that they are firmly secured.
In an old or antique piece, superficial damage, such as a chip to the ears, is almost to be expected and is not regarded as a major flaw.
The demand for rocking horses in good condition is such that they invariably fetch high prices. They usually come up for sale only in antiques shops or auction rooms.
