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

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19th Century Iron Horse

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

$750

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

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Early 20th Century American Victorian Children's Furniture

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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

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Antique 1870s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls

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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

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Antique 19th Century Unknown Primitive Animal Sculptures

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Iron

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

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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

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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

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Early 20th Century Unknown American Craftsman Children's Furniture

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Wood

Painted Carved Wood Rocking Horse, 19th C.

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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

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Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Toys

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Located in Glendale, CA

'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...

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Wonderfully charming hand-carved 19th Century American folk art horse sculpture on stand. Pay special attention to its face and the carved details to appreciate this fine specimen. ...

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Vintage 1960s Blue Pedal Car Convertible

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Vintage 1960s Blue Pedal Car Convertible

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Vibrant, sleek and full of character, this vintage pedal car was once the prized possession of children all across America. A popular toy since the late 19th century, pedal cars expe...

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Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

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Swedish Toy Horse, circa 1900

$2,100

H 28.25 in W 29 in D 6.5 in

Swedish Toy Horse, circa 1900

Located in Huntington, NY

A solid Swedish wooden toy horse in original grey paint with remnants of leather bridle and jute mane and tail.

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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

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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 American Carousel Horse Carnival Ride Attrib Charles Dare

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H 43 in W 62 in D 19 in

Antique American Carousel Horse Carnival Ride Attrib Charles Dare

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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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Delightful Early 19th Century Horse Tricycle

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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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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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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19th Century French Wood and Iron Child Horse Tricycle

$1,719Sale 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.

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Antique 1890s French Children's Furniture

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19th Century English G. J. Lines Nursery Rocking Horse

$5,690

H 40.95 in W 47.25 in D 16.15 in

19th Century English G. J. Lines Nursery Rocking Horse

By G & J Lines

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Wonderful 19th Century nursery rocking horse by G. J. Lines. This charming horse features a wonderfully detailed head, with a dished face and flared nostrils. He retains hi...

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Painted wooden carousel horse.

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19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse

$1,170

H 16.93 in W 15.75 in D 8.67 in

19th Century Polychrome Wooden Horse

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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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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.