Rocking Horses
Early 20th Century American Toys
Leather, Wood, Paint
20th Century Toys
Wrought Iron
Vintage 1920s American Toys and Dolls
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Toys
Iron
Vintage 1970s Dutch Brutalist Toys
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century English High Victorian Toys
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Toys
Wood
Antique 19th Century Italian Toys
Wood, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Toys
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century English Toys
Pine
Antique 19th Century English Country Toys
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Toys
Wood
20th Century American Country Toys and Dolls
Paint, Wood
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Toys
Wood
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Toys
Wood
Mid-20th Century Swiss Bauhaus Toys
Plywood
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Toys
Goat Hair, Canvas, Wood, Paint
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Toys
Leather, Wood
Antique 19th Century Romanian Folk Art Toys
Wood, Lacquer
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Toys
Bamboo, Cane, Rattan
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Toys
Leather, Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Animal Sculptures
Iron
Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Toys and Dolls
Wood
Antique 1880s Italian Toys
Poplar, Paper
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Bamboo, Wicker
Early 20th Century Swedish Country Toys
Leather, Pine, Paint
Antique 19th Century English Toys and Dolls
Glass, Wood
Antique Early 1900s Scandinavian Rustic Toys
Wood
Early 20th Century Swedish Country Toys
Leather, Wood, Paint
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Birch, Bentwood, Plywood, Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century American Primitive Toys
Iron
Rocking Horses For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are Rocking Horses?
Finding the Right Toys for You
Children as well as nostalgic grown-ups are still finding pleasure in toys and objects designed specifically for playtime that are, in comparison to today’s digital device-oriented distractions, far more modest in nature. Indeed, antique, new and vintage toys of years past — handmade folk-art toys such as wooden train sets, dolls, rocking horses and more — can be enjoyed by the young and old alike. In contemporary interiors, gently aging toys are wonderfully uncomplicated decorative objects primed for display in a cabinet or other case piece.
With their romantic appeal and frequent incorporation of natural materials, some vintage toys and folk-art toys are treasured collectibles, showcasing the beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Alongside other works characterized as folk art — in this case, visual art, typically reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition — handcrafted vintage toys are historical works of art worthy of any collector’s mantel. These are toys that tell a story of the time in which they were produced and the people who produced them.
Like any artifact, toys provide a window into the past. The ornamental dolls of the Victorian era, for example, produced in Germany and England, made of ceramics such as porcelain and dressed in textured fabrics, speak to the fashion of the era and will add a pop of color and a decorative flourish to the neutral corners of your home.
Mid-century modern toys are as sophisticated as the widely cherished furniture of the era. As much as they thought good design for the home should be available for all, iconic American design duo Charles and Ray Eames believed in making durable and interesting products for kids too. Today, their Eames Elephant is available from Vitra and Herman Miller, and it doesn’t even require a digital screen.
Explore a unique collection of antique and vintage toys as well as folk-art toys on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Rocking horses have long been favorite toys for children all over. These fun toys also help with balance and mobility, while encouraging exercise. It’s no wonder that both children and their parents are so taken with these toys. Shop a collection of rocking horses from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023A Victorian rocking horse is a child’s toy produced during the Victorian era, which refers to the years of the reign of Queen Victoria of England, 1837 to 1901. Prior to the industrialization that took shape during the 19th century, which allowed these structures to be mass-produced, rocking horses were hand-carved in wood and hand-painted to resemble a horse. Two rockers, mirroring those of modern rocking chairs, are attached to the horse’s legs, and when a child sits on the seat, the horse gently rocks back and forth. On 1stDibs, find a collection of antique rocking horses.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To tell if a rocking horse is a Collinson, look at the pillar on its safety stand. Authentic pieces will usually have square pillars with wooden diamonds on top. The iron swings that allow the horse to rock were often red on genuine Collinson designs. However, an antique rocking horse may have been repainted, so the color you see might not be the original. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you with identifying rocking horses. Shop a range of rocking horses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Traditionally, Victorian rocking horses are made of solid wood. Designed to withstand wear and tear over time, Victorian rocking horses are often crafted with a high-quality wood, such as solid oak. Browse a selection of vintage Victorian rocking horses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023To tell if a rocking horse is antique, first look for a label or mark that indicates the manufacturer’s name. Some makers of antique rocking horses include F.H. Ayers, Collinsons & Sons, G & J Lines, Crossley Brothers and Stevenson Brothers. If you're unable to find a maker's mark, you may wish to enlist the help of a certified appraiser or antiques dealer who is knowledgeable about rocking horses. Shop a variety of rocking horses on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No one knows the exact year that the rocking horse was invented, but they first appeared in early 17th century Europe. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique and modern rocking horses from some of the world’s top sellers.
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