Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21

Rare Early Childrens Carousel Ride Bird Figure Antique Carnival Folk Art

$3,750
£2,832.25
€3,271.69
CA$5,283.22
A$5,658.33
CHF 3,041.88
MX$68,723.68
NOK 38,435.60
SEK 35,190.65
DKK 24,445.51

About the Item

Acquired from the nationally known Fort Worth Museum of Science History (originally opened in 1945 as the Fort Worth Children's Museum), this remarkable very early carousel ride is the last we have available from the original menagerie group we aquired (the stag deer, parrot, and fox rides from the same carousel already sold) Lynx Hollow Antiques is proud to present this scarce one-of-a-kind antique European early dobby platform flat style young children's traveling county fair carousel / merry-go-round carnival ride depicted in a whimsical avian form (bird / duck). circa 1860 Almost certainly hand-crafted in Amsterdam, Netherlands, mid / possibly into late 19th century, unusual early diminutive small-scale young kids size ride, executed in simplistic sculptural form, this exceptionally rare and wonderfully decorative antique carousel figure is one of the earliest known examples of the important dobbies style carousel, as well as one of only a handful of surviving kids carousel rides from this period known to exist! Primitve handmade solid wood sectioned construction, hand carved and polychrome painted decoration on all sides, featuring the original layered paint finish that adds bold rich color, warmth, depth, unique character and rustic charm. Having an integral red painted wooden seat, iron handlebar, and iron flat plate base that would have mounted this ride to the circular platform. Today, the iron base acts as a sturdy stand that allows the figure to completely free-standing, perfect for display! History: Typically, this simple early country style carousel horse and menagerie animal (of all sizes) would have been handmade during the winter months by self-taught farmers with no formal training (folk art), for rural county fairs, traveling carnivals and circus. They had to be made durable and designed to be transported without damaging. Horse’s ears, for example, were carved flat against the horse’s head to protect them from bangs and bumps received during transport, especially considering it was moved by horse and bugy, then later possibly railroad. Once this childrens carousel (also known as a merry-go-round in Europe, or roundabout in England) was setup, a small child would sit atop this figure, the ride manually operated by attaching a rope from the outside of the circular platform to a live horse, mule, or donkey, the animal then walking in circles and turning the platform as it goes. Later, around the turn of the century and into the early 20th century, the carousel quickly grew in popularity, with numerous innovations such as mechanical operations, the advent of electricity with flashing lights, music, suspended gallops and jumpers, the carousel quickly entered what's known as its golden age. The short lived old fashioned traditional country style soon eclipsed by elaborate, finely detailed formal amusement rides crafted by highly trained top-tier carpenters and craftsmen that opened workshops specializing in producing these fancy heavily ornamented specimens, such as the jeweled Coney Island style, realistic Philadelphia style, with large lighted machines, unusual exotics, and luxurious chariots by known makers like Allan Herschell, Edward Spillman, Charles W. Parker and Dentzel. PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Property from the Forth Worth Museum of Science and History, located in Fort Worth, Texas. It had been featured in numerous exhibits in the museum for decades. Retaining the museum's location / id tag tied to handlebar. Acquired from the above consignor through the reputable auction, Texas Star Auctions, Alvarado, Texas Dimensions: (approx) 31" Long x 25" High x 6" Wide Worldwide shipping available Pickup available near Dallas TX Condition Report: A superb museum quality example, in desirable original unrestored antique condition. Overall good shape, especially considering its age and industrial traveling kids ride carnival use. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Attractive appearance, presents well, with beautifully aged warm faded weathered heavily worn distressed patina, with significant chippy paint losses, rubbing, abrasions, losses, buildup, and outstanding craquelure. Expected wear commensurate with authentic age, use, handling and exposure. --- A most charming piece, highly decorative and historically interesting, perfect for a variety of different collectors, or simply displayed an artistic, whimsy, playful, carving, rare distinctive and unpretentious statement piece, as a sculpture / folky statue / or one of a kind decorative object!
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 25 in (63.5 cm)Width: 31 in (78.74 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1860
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Museum quality example in desirable orignal unrestored antique condition. Structurally sound. Presents well, w/beautifully aged heavily worn weathered heavily distressed patina, chippy paint losses, buildup, wear consistent w/age authentic use.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977226885122

More From This Seller

View All
Antique American Carousel Horse Carnival Ride Attrib Charles Dare
Located in Forney, TX
A charming antique, circa 1920, American track machine carousel horse amusement ride attributed to legendary carver Charles W. Dare Company (United States), now mounted on a custom r...
Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

1940s/1950s Carnival Ride Panel - Monumental Hand Painted Metal Carousel Salvage
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, whimsical, and most impressive monumental scale midcentury American traveling carnival hand painted metal ride panel! United States, circa 1940s/1950s, almost certainly fro...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Antique French Limonaire Frères Signed Carved Painted Wood Carousel Donkey Ride
Located in Forney, TX
A rare, important and most charming French carousel amusement ride by important Parisian craftsmen Limonaire Frères / Limonaire Brothers (France; 1839-1932) Hand-crafted in Paris, France in the late 19th century, exceptionally executed near life-size form depicting a standing donkey figure with the rare unique feature of a nodding head. Finished in country fair taste, hand-carved solid wood construction, the menagerie merry-go-round ride presents splendidly, with the original layered polychrome paint finish, enhanced by beautifully aged heavily worn patina acquired over many years of carnival use. Signed, retaining the original manufacturer's brass plaque that reads: "Sculptures Pour Forains, Chevaux De Bois Etc, Limonaire Freres, Paris, 166 Avenue Daumesnil" The extremely rare, museum quality example is one of the very few surviving Limonaire Frères wooden carousel fixtures, one of only a handful imported to the United States, and quite possibly the last surviving donkey! DIMENSIONS: (approx) 44" High, 52" Wide, 10" Deep PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION: Acquired from the highly reputable auction house, Schultz Auctioneers, Clarence, New York. Important Antiques & Decorative Arts catalog HISTORY: Limonaire Frères were an amusement ride and later street organ...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Folk Art Carnival Art

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century German Carved Polychrome Carousel Horse by P. Schneider
Located in Forney, TX
A rare antique, circa 1890s, German hand carved and painted wood carousel horse carnival fair ride by Peter Schneider (famous for making the first double decker carousel in 1898). ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Folk Art Statues

Materials

Wood

Antique Carved Painted Wooden Childs Rocking Horse
Located in Forney, TX
A charming and whimsical hand carved and painted wooden and fur fabric rocking horse with untouched, unrestored, elegantly aged patina. Very unique pattern and beautiful complime...
Category

Early 20th Century Toys and Dolls

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Paint

Large Whimsical Antique Hand Carved Wooden Horse Sculpture
Located in Forney, TX
A large antique hand carved wooden horse sculpture on stand. Most likely from Southeast Asia, (Indonesian, Burmese, Thai) early 20th c...
Category

Early 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

You May Also Like

Peacock Carved Wooden Carousel Figure: Antique
Located in Mortsel, BE
This exquisite antique carousel figure showcases the elegance of a peacock, intricately carved from wood. Mounted on a durable metal base with a supp...
Category

Early 20th Century Carnival Art

Materials

Metal

Early 20th century Limonaire Freres Paris fairground carousel horse
Located in London, GB
Early 20th century Limonaire Freres Paris fairground carousel horse Dimensions in inches: H 31” x W 50” x D 11” Age: 1920 Origin: France (Paris) Condition: Fair Overview A rare ear...
Category

Early 20th Century French Late Victorian Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Rare 19th century fairground Bayol carousel horse
Located in London, GB
Rare 19th century fairground Bayol carousel horse Dimensions: H 47” x W 29” x D 9” Weight: 20kg Date: Late 19th Century Origin: EU Material: Pine and metal Info: This item does no...
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Victorian Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique Children Carousel Horse, Germany late 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Children Carousel Horse, Germany late 19th Century A wooden carved children's carousel, stallion with polychrome painting, made in Germany in the late 19th century. Original...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Other Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

19th Century Painted Wood Carousel Swan Child s Seat with Bell
Located in Atlanta, GA
Whimsical 19th century Continental painted and carved wood swan form carousel seat with bell.  
Category

Antique 19th Century European Children s Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Children Carousel Lama Sculpture, Germany late 19th Century
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Antique Children Carousel Lama Sculpture, Germany late 19th Century Item e7296 A wooden carved children's carousel lama statur decorated with polychrome painting, made in Germany around the 1890s. Original unrestored condition, partially repainted, traces of use according to the old age, some minor imperfections. A great addition to any sophisticated interior decoration. The first carousel horses were created in the 18th century for the entertainment of aristocrats. The enthusiasm spread to broad sections of the population and the Vienna Prater was opened with a carousel in 1766. Germany developed into a center of carousel construction. Famous manufacturers included Friedrich Heyn...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Other Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood