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.

German Rocking Horse

Materials

Hide, Pine

19th Century Painted, Carved & Horse Hide Rocking & Pull Horse, circa 1870-1880

H 36 in W 54 in D 19 in

Konrad Keller Rocking Horse

By Konrad Keller

Located in New York, NY

Konrad Keller Manufactured by Konrad Keller Holzspielwaren Germany, 1950s Red, yellow, and black

Category

Mid-20th Century German Children's Furniture

Materials

Wood

Konrad Keller Rocking Horse

H 21 in W 12 in D 33 in

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German Rocking Horse For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the German rocking horse you’re looking for. A German rocking horse — often made from wood, ceramic and paper — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect German rocking horse — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. When you’re browsing for the right German rocking horse, those designed in mid-century modern, Baroque and modern styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made German rocking horse over the years, but those crafted by August Karl Eduard Kiss, Gatja Helgart Rothe and Gladenbeck Foundry are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a German Rocking Horse?

Prices for a German rocking horse start at $167 and top out at $78,081 with the average selling for $967.

Questions About German Rocking Horse

What is a Victorian rocking horse?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertJune 15, 2023
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?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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.