Rocking Horse Elite

Description

BARLEY: This horse has been completely restored with the markings copied from the remains of original sections of paintwork discovered on two other horses of this type we have had through the workshop {One being 'Oats'}. Interestingly enough a painting came up for auction {which features in the animation sequence of Barley's illustration}, with the following provenance:

James Ward (1769-1859) "The Rocking Horse" Oil on canvas Bears paper label verso indistinctly inscribed 51.5cm x 66cm Provenance: Maggs Bros. 109 Strand London WC Catalogue No. 323 1914 plate XXVII It had been understood by the present vendor that the children depicted were members of the Spencer family but this cannot be substantiated with evidence.

Both Oats and Barley have the same distinct elbow-knee-hoof ratio along with the straight line from hock to hoof tip on the rear legs. The distinctive 'battleship grey fleck' coat pattern which was found in small areas on the horse, is also depicted in the painting. This seems to suggests this may be the same make of horse but this is impossible to prove conclusively of course. This also supports the speculative dates of manufacture.

Several of these horses have crossed our path and so were obviously made in some number. Would this be the elusive Kain rocking horse? Examples of this make of horse can be found in both Museums of Childhood in London and Edinburgh,{ U.K.}Each slightly different but all obviously by the same maker.
This solid bodied, VERY early rocking horse on Bow is naively carved with outstretched head has a quaint charm of its own. Eyes are large and carved in wood and the ears small. This horse is of the same maker as 'Oats' but has the added features of extra carving in the form of skin folds under the jaw and between the nostrils on the nose. The bow, Although has some age, is not thought to be original to the horse with he exception of the turned spacers on either end.

Certainly a collectors piece of rarity and charm.
Feel free to call to discuss 01245 320228
or
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