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.

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"

$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

This horse is painted white with red and black details and red seat, handlebar, and foot rest, suspended from the red frame with metal bars, providing a glider-like rocking motion.

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 hand carved of hard wood, and has a hand crafted leather saddle to accommodate a sit...

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.

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, red painted wood base, cast iron hardware with star accents, and leather straps and s...

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 East Aurora, NY

This piece is a beautiful example of a wooden rocking horse glider of this era. Looks to be in original condition.

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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French 18th Century Forged Iron Folk Art Baroque Tavern Sign

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Antique 18th Century French Baroque Signs

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Vintage 1960s Blue Pedal Car Convertible

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Vintage 1960s Blue Pedal Car Convertible

Located in Chicago, IL

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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Rare 1930s Aino Aalto Children's Extendable Bed, Birch, Finland

$2,950

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Rare 1930s Aino Aalto Children's Extendable Bed, Birch, Finland

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Discover the enchanting Aino Aalto rare 1930s children's extendable bed, a timeless piece that grows with your child. Its unique honey patina exudes warmth, adding a touch of vintage...

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Rare Antique 1901 Steinway Model B Rosewood Grand Piano Louis XV Rococo Restored

$500,000

H 39.5 in W 58 in D 82 in

Rare Antique 1901 Steinway Model B Rosewood Grand Piano Louis XV Rococo Restored

By Steinway & Sons

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Fully Restored 1901 Steinway & Sons Model B Louis XV Baroque Rococo Grand Piano – Serial Number 99151, Full 88 key keyboard. The most exquisitely detailed example of a turn of the c...

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Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

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Exceptional 19th Century English Chinoiserie Pagoda Display Cabinet

Located in Houston, TX

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Delightful Early 19th Century Horse Tricycle

$3,250

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Delightful Early 19th Century Horse Tricycle

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

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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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Early 20th Century Swedish Toys

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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

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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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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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Antique American Carousel Horse Carnival Ride Attrib Charles Dare

$5,995

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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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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

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Antique 19th Century Swedish Folk Art Animal Sculptures

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Iron

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Animal Sculptures

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

$5,662

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...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Country Toys

Materials

Pine

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Questions About Glider 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.