Czech Republic Vaulting Horse Bench

Czech Republic Vaulting Horse Bench with Padded Legs. Made from iron, wood, and leather. We cut down the legs to make them table height. Fun. Circa 1940. Dimensions: 19 3/4" H x 48 ...

Small wood and leather vaulting horse with leather wrapped legs and iron feet.

A leather covered gymnastics bench on splayed, leather-clad, ebonized pine legs with patinated cast iron feet.

A rare and striking example of mid-century athletic design, this 1950s vintage wooden vaulting horse by the esteemed H. Hunt & Son Ltd, Liverpool, represents the perfect marriage of utilitarian craftsmanship and timeless form. Originally intended for gymnasium use, this solid piece bears all the hallmarks of the British educational athletic tradition—built for durability, but beautifully aged with character and grace. The branding mark on the leg—“H. Hunt & Son Ltd, Woodend Avenue, Liverpool 24”—authenticates its origin and era, placing it within the heart of British post-war industrial design. This firm, known for manufacturing high-quality physical education equipment, produced gym staples that are now coveted for their robust materials and nostalgic appeal. Constructed from solid beechwood and topped with a plush, aged tan leather or hide, this vaulting horse has gracefully weathered the decades. It separates into two distinct, fully functional components: a bench and a table—each capable of standing on its own both structurally and stylistically. The top section is luxuriously upholstered and softly worn, making it a welcoming seating option, while the lower structure transforms effortlessly into a charming coffee or display table. Whether placed in a refined living space, a high-concept retail environment, or a creative workspace, this piece adds a quiet sense of heritage and strength. It invites interaction and admiration without pretension. The mid-20th century was a golden era for British craftsmanship, where even utilitarian school and gym equipment was made to last. H. Hunt & Son Ltd was one of the key suppliers to UK schools and institutions, known for their dedication to quality and consistency. Items such as this vaulting horse were built to withstand generations of rigorous physical use, and now stand as iconic relics of British design history. Understated and evocative, this H. Hunt & Son vintage vaulting horse...