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 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.

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.

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.

Glider Rocking Horse

Iron Glider

Folk Art Carved Horse

Leather Horse With Leather Saddle

Wood Glider

Hobby Horse

Antique Glider

19th Century Iron Horse

Primitive Wood Horse

Vintage Wooden Double Horse Shoo Fly Rocking Horse Children's Glider 39"

$600Sale Price|20% Off

H 23 in W 38.5 in D 17.5 in

Vintage Wooden Double Horse Shoo Fly Rocking Horse Children's Glider 39"

Located in Dayton, OH

Early to mid 20th century shoo fly style rocking horse. Shoo fly (or shoofly) rocking horses

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Children's Furniture

Materials

Hardwood, Paint

19th Century Child's Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875

$3,400

H 27 in W 14.25 in D 35 in

19th Century Child's Platform Rocking Horse "Glider". American. Circa 1875

Located in Incline Village, NV

Of American manufacture, circa 1875, this authentic children's platform rocking horse "glider" is

Category

Antique 1870s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood, Leather

Antique Primitive Glider Rocking Hobby Horse Rustic Carved Wood Cast Iron Red

$1,800

H 36 in W 44.5 in D 16 in

Antique Primitive Glider Rocking Hobby Horse Rustic Carved Wood Cast Iron Red

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Primitive Glider Rocking Hobby Horse Rustic Carved Wood Cast Iron Red. Item features a

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Primitive Animal Sculptures

Materials

Iron

Recent Sales

19th Century American Primitive Carved Wood Cast Iron Glider Rocking Hobby Horse

Sold

H 36 in W 44.5 in D 16 in

19th Century American Primitive Carved Wood Cast Iron Glider Rocking Hobby Horse

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique American primitive handmade gliding hobby horse. The piece features a carved wood horse

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Primitive Toys

Materials

Iron

Early 20th Century Child’s Rocking Horse Glider

Sold

H 30.5 in W 36 in D 17 in

Early 20th Century Child’s Rocking Horse Glider

Located in Bradenton, FL

Very nice handmade wooden rocking / prancing horse glider with leather tooled saddle mounted on a

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown American Craftsman Children's Furniture

Materials

Wood

Painted Carved Wood Rocking Horse, 19th C.

Sold

H 22 in W 38 in D 8.5 in

Painted Carved Wood Rocking Horse, 19th C.

Located in Astoria, NY

Child's carved rocking horse glider with paint decoration, likely circa late nineteenth century

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Toys

Materials

Wood

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Mid-19th Century Carved and Painted Wooden Tang Dynasty Horse

$3,831

H 43 in W 43 in D 12 in

Mid-19th Century Carved and Painted Wooden Tang Dynasty Horse

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Mid-19th century carved and painted wooden Tang dynasty horse This is a superb piece of Chinese Folk Art, superbly carved in wood, in the classic statue of this famous creature in...

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Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

$187,500

H 102 in W 84.5 in D 22.5 in

Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

Large-scale 19th century English display cabinet executed in the Chinoiserie tradition. Constructed in carved mahogany and conceived as a tripartite architectural façade, each glazed...

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Antique 19th Century English Chinese Chippendale Vitrines

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Vintage Marx Fire Chief Friction Action Toy Sedan American, Circa 1930

$235

H 3 in W 3.5 in D 8 in

Vintage Marx Fire Chief Friction Action Toy Sedan American, Circa 1930

By Marx Toy Co.

Located in Incline Village, NV

This original vintage friction activated toy sedan" Fire Chief" Car by The Marx Toy Company, circa 1930, is a difficult toy to find, especially in this variation, which I have not se...

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Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

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Tin, Steel

French Velocipede or Child's Horse Tricycle from the 19th Century

$6,895

H 32 in W 38.5 in D 23 in

French Velocipede or Child's Horse Tricycle from the 19th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fine French velocipede or child's toy horse tricycle from the 19th century, featuring a body of carved wood with brushed steel face-plate and glass eyes, resting on spoke wheels wi...

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Antique 19th Century French Toys and Dolls

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Steel, Iron, Brass

Antique American Carousel Horse Carnival Ride Attrib Charles Dare

$5,995

H 43 in W 62 in D 19 in

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...

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Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art

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Wood, Paint

19th Century French White Pony Tricycle

$3,980

H 34.5 in W 23.5 in D 40 in

19th Century French White Pony Tricycle

Located in Chicago, IL

A 19th century French velocipede of a white pony, the horse of polychromed wood with horsehair mane and set upon an iron tricycle. Deaccessioned from the MacLean Collection of Asian...

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Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Animal Sculptures

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Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

$498,000

H 9 in W 19.88 in D 19.88 in

Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

Located in New Orleans, LA

A monumental piece of history, this exquisite silver punch set was made for Czar Alexander III as a gift to British Captain Joseph Wiggins. Heavily decorated with rich engravings and...

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Antique 19th Century Russian Other Serving Pieces

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Original Painted Carved Rocking Horse from Sweden, circa 1900's

$2,650

H 38 in W 53.25 in D 14 in

Original Painted Carved Rocking Horse from Sweden, circa 1900's

Located in Round Top, TX

It is the worn look that creates the wonderful appeal of this original painted and carved rocking horse from Sweden. The brown/brick red paint has been distressed through years of us...

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Early 20th Century Swedish Country Toys

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Delightful Early 19th Century Horse Tricycle

$3,250

H 24.63 in W 28.25 in D 18 in

Delightful Early 19th Century Horse Tricycle

Located in Round Top, TX

A very charming early 19th century child's horse tricycle in wood and iron. A wonderful accent piece.

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Antique Early 19th Century French Children's Furniture

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Early 20th Century Continental Carousel Galloping Horse Mounted on Metal Stand

$2,200

H 32.75 in W 35 in D 15 in

Early 20th Century Continental Carousel Galloping Horse Mounted on Metal Stand

Located in Atlanta, GA

An exquisite continental foal baby horse from the early 20th century mounted on iron base. This joyful foal is caught in mid leap as it’s possibly just learning how to gallop. See ho...

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Early 20th Century European Animal Sculptures

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Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870

$5,975

H 40.52 in W 14.49 in D 60.01 in

Swedish Antique Toy Rocking Horse, All Original, Origin: Sweden, circa 1870

Located in New York, NY

Swedish antique toy rocking horse, origin: Sweden, circa 1870 - 1900. Beautiful, untouched, original condition including the paint, leather saddle, girth and stirrups. The tail and ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Animal Sculptures

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Iron

Original Brown Painted Wood Rocking Horse on Green Rocker, Sweden circa 1900's

$2,775

H 34 in W 48.5 in D 13.25 in

Original Brown Painted Wood Rocking Horse on Green Rocker, Sweden circa 1900's

Located in Round Top, TX

It is the worn look that creates the wonderful appeal of this original painted and carved rocking horse from Sweden. The brown/brick paint has been distressed (some missing, see phot...

Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Country Toys

Materials

Leather, Wood, Paint

19th Century French Wood and Iron Child Horse Tricycle

$1,705Sale Price|20% Off

H 22.84 in W 20.48 in D 10.24 in

19th Century French Wood and Iron Child Horse Tricycle

Located in LEGNY, FR

Beautiful 19th century French wood and iron child horse tricycle from the 1890s. The saddle is made with fabric. The painting has peeled off with the age and use. Nice quality.

Category

Antique 1890s French Children's Furniture

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Iron

Large Antique Rocking Horse on Curved Wooden Rockers

$5,405

H 46.5 in W 79 in D 17.5 in

Large Antique Rocking Horse on Curved Wooden Rockers

Located in Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

Large Antique Rocking Horse on Curved Wooden Rockers Large carved wooden rocking horse on curved rockers attributed to Lines Brothers; the original paint has been retained with a sma...

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Early 20th Century English Toys

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Wood

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse

$1,160

H 16.93 in W 15.75 in D 8.67 in

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse

Located in Brussels, Brussels

Elegant little carved wooden horse from the 19th century in polychrome wood Very beautiful polychromy which has a lot of charm Old child's toy with the front wheels which moves ...

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Antique 19th Century British Aesthetic Movement Toys and Dolls

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Fruitwood

Painted Wooden Carousel Horse

$6,500

H 53 in W 47 in D 14 in

Painted Wooden Carousel Horse

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Painted wooden carousel horse.

Category

20th Century American Animal Sculptures

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Questions About Glider Rocking Horse

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 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.
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.
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.