What is a Victorian rocking horse?

A 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.

What is the purpose of a rocking horse?

Rocking 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.

What year was the rocking horse invented?

No 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.

How can you tell a Collinson rocking horse?

To 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.

How can you tell if a rocking horse is an antique?

To 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.

What were Victorian rocking horses made of?

Traditionally, 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.

Brass Rocking Horse

Black Horse Sculpture

Leather Horse Saddle

Austrian Horse

Rocking Horse by Walter Bosse

$188Sale Price|27% Off

H 1.58 in W 1.58 in D 0.4 in

Rocking Horse by Walter Bosse

By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse

Located in Wien, AT

Rocking horse by Walter Bosse Original condition.

Category

Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Pair of Horse Claude Victor Boeltz 1980 Gold Bronze Crystal French Table Lamps

$6,397Sale Price / set|50% Off

H 24 in W 12 in D 8 in

Pair of Horse Claude Victor Boeltz 1980 Gold Bronze Crystal French Table Lamps

By Claude Victor Boeltz

Located in New York, NY

A luxurious gold dore bronze and rock crystal horse table lamps. The gold bronze sculptures are on

Category

Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Materials

Brass

Sold

H 5 in W 7 in D 1.5 in

Solid Brass Rocking Horse

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Great detailing to this great decorative rocking horse. Has some patina from age.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Decorative Objects

Set of 4 Brass Rocking Horse Figurines

Sold

H 2 in W 2.5 in D 0.5 in

Set of 4 Brass Rocking Horse Figurines

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Small figurines can be used as paperweights, napkin rings, gifts, or decoration.

Category

20th Century American Decorative Objects

Rocking Horse

Sold

H 25 in W 39 in D 7 in

Rocking Horse

Located in East Hampton, NY

Turn of the Century Indian Rocking Horse

Category

Early 20th Century Indian Toys

Materials

Brass

Extra Large Custom Made Oak Rocking Horse by Stevenson Brothers, England

Sold

H 59 in W 70 in D 22 in

Extra Large Custom Made Oak Rocking Horse by Stevenson Brothers, England

By Stevenson Brothers

Located in Pau, FR

Impressive extra large 70 inches long! Custom made light oak rocking horse, hand-carved by

Category

Early 2000s English Toys and Dolls

Materials

Brass

Brass Rocking Horse

Sold

H 36 in W 43 in D 10 in

Brass Rocking Horse

Located in Stamford, CT

Vintage brass rocking horse.

Category

Vintage 1960s Toys and Dolls

Materials

Brass

1970s Brass Rocking Horse Sculpture

Sold

H 5.25 in W 7 in D 1.75 in

1970s Brass Rocking Horse Sculpture

Located in Richmond, VA

Offered is a unique and nostalgic piece... this 1970s solid-brass rocking horse is a miniature

Category

20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Brass

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Brass Rocking Horse For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the brass rocking horse you’re looking for. Each brass rocking horse for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using brass, metal and nickel. There are many kinds of the brass rocking horse you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each brass rocking horse bearing Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made brass rocking horse over the years, but those crafted by Hertha Baller, Stevenson Brothers and Walter Bosse are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Brass Rocking Horse?

Prices for a brass rocking horse can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $273 and can go as high as $4,350, while the average can fetch as much as $3,040.

Materials: Brass Furniture

Whether burnished or lacquered, antique, new and vintage brass furniture can elevate a room.

From traditional spaces that use brass as an accent — by way of brass dining chairs or brass pendant lights — to contemporary rooms that embrace bold brass decor, there are many ways to incorporate the golden-hued metal.

“I find mixed metals to be a very updated approach, as opposed to the old days, when it was all shiny brass of dulled-out silver tones,” says interior designer Drew McGukin. “I especially love working with brass and blackened steel for added warmth and tonality. To me, aged brass is complementary across many design styles and can trend contemporary or traditional when pushed either way.”

He proves his point in a San Francisco entryway, where a Lindsey Adelman light fixture hangs above a limited-edition table and stools by Kelly Wearstler — also an enthusiast of juxtapositions — all providing bronze accents. The walls were hand-painted by artist Caroline Lizarraga and the ombré stair runner is by DMc.

West Coast designer Catherine Kwong chose a sleek brass and lacquered-parchment credenza by Scala Luxury to fit this San Francisco apartment. “The design of this sideboard is reminiscent of work by French modernist Jean Prouvé. The brass font imbues the space with warmth and the round ‘portholes’ provide an arresting geometric element.”

Find antique, new and vintage brass tables, case pieces and other furnishings now on 1stDibs.