Pushalong toy
probably F. H. Ayres
Category
Toys
Date
circa 1900
Materials
Wood, metal and horse-hair
Measurements
720 mm (length); 338 mm (width); 833 mm (height)
Place of origin
London
Order this imageCollection
Sudbury Hall Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire
NT 660839
Summary
An push-along 'platform and wheels' type wooden horse probably made by 'F.H. Ayres/Slasinger' (Frederick Henry Ayres), England (circa 1900) standing on a wheeled wooden stand. This is a 'size 4' horse and horses of this type only went up to 'size 5'. This English company were one of the leading toycompanies alongside ' Lines' and operated from 1864 to 1940. The horse is painted dappled grey with black painted hooves and the paintwork is of high quality. It has a wavy grey real horse hair mane and tail. The horse has painted eyes, inner nostrils, inner ears and open mouth showing teeth. It wears a leather bridle, collar, and a metal bit between it's teeth. The collar is attached to the horse with metal decorative studs. The martingale is not necessarily original. The front stud is also threaded through a red rosette. Behind the ears are similar studs and rosettes. A leather saddle with metal stirrups is attached to horse's back with metal studs. On either side of the back of the horse are two metal hooks though each of which is threaded a curved metal rod. Each of the curved metal rods are held together by a turned wooden handle. The four rotating metal wheels are painted red and black.
Makers and roles
probably F. H. Ayres , manufacturer