19th C. Children's Carousel Ride - Antique Carnival Folk Art Bird Sculpture Menagerie

Details

Description

Acquired from the nationally known Fort Worth Museum of Science & History (originally opened in 1945 as the Fort Worth … Read more Acquired from the nationally known Fort Worth Museum of Science & History (originally opened in 1945 as the Fort Worth Children's Museum), this remarkable very early carousel ride is the last we have available from the original menagerie group we aquired (the stag deer, parrot, and fox rides from the same carousel already sold)

Lynx Hollow Antiques is proud to present this scarce one-of-a-kind antique European early dobby platform flat style young children's traveling county fair carousel / merry-go-round carnival ride depicted in a whimsical avian form (bird / duck). circa 1860

Almost certainly hand-crafted in Amsterdam, Netherlands, mid / possibly into late 19th century, unusual early diminutive small-scale young kids size ride, executed in simplistic sculptural form, this exceptionally rare and wonderfully decorative antique carousel figure is one of the earliest known examples of the important dobbies style carousel, as well as one of only a handful of surviving kids carousel rides from this period known to exist!

Primitve handmade solid wood sectioned construction, hand carved and polychrome painted decoration on all sides, featuring the original layered paint finish that adds bold rich color, warmth, depth, unique character and rustic charm. Having an integral red painted wooden seat, iron handlebar, and iron flat plate base that would have mounted this ride to the circular platform. Today, the iron base acts as a sturdy stand that allows the figure to completely free-standing, perfect for display!

History:
Typically, this simple early country style carousel horse and menagerie animal (of all sizes) would have been handmade during the winter months by self-taught farmers with no formal training (folk art), for rural county fairs, traveling carnivals and circus.

They had to be made durable and designed to be transported without damaging. Horse’s ears, for example, were carved flat against the horse’s head to protect them from bangs and bumps received during transport, especially considering it was moved by horse and bugy, then later possibly railroad.

Once this childrens carousel (also known as a merry-go-round in Europe, or roundabout in England) was setup, a small child would sit atop this figure, the ride manually operated by attaching a rope from the outside of the circular platform to a live horse, mule, or donkey, the animal then walking in circles and turning the platform as it goes.

Later, around the turn of the century and into the early 20th century, the carousel quickly grew in popularity, with numerous innovations such as mechanical operations, the advent of electricity with flashing lights, music, suspended gallops and jumpers, the carousel quickly entered what's known as its golden age. The short lived old fashioned traditional country style soon eclipsed by elaborate, finely detailed formal amusement rides crafted by highly trained top-tier carpenters and craftsmen that opened workshops specializing in producing these fancy heavily ornamented specimens, such as the jeweled Coney Island style, realistic Philadelphia style, with large lighted machines, unusual exotics, and luxurious chariots by known makers like Allan Herschell, Edward Spillman, Charles W. Parker and Dentzel.

PROVENANCE / ACQUISITION:
Property from the Forth Worth Museum of Science and History, located in Fort Worth, Texas. It had been featured in numerous exhibits in the museum for decades. Retaining the museum's location / id tag tied to handlebar.

Acquired from the above consignor through the reputable auction, Texas Star Auctions, Alvarado, Texas

Dimensions: (approx)
31" Long x 25" High x 6" Wide

Worldwide shipping available
Pickup available near Dallas TX

Condition Report:
A superb museum quality example, in desirable original unrestored antique condition.

Overall great shape, especially considering its age and industrial carnival use. Strong, sturdy, stable, structurally sound. Attractive appearance, presents well, with beautifully aged warm faded weathered heavily worn distressed patina, with chippy paint losses, rubbing, abrasions, losses, and outstanding craquelure. Expected wear commensurate with authentic age, use, handling and exposure.
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A most charming piece, highly decorative and historically interesting, perfect for a variety of different collectors, or simply displayed an artistic, whimsy, playful, carving, rare distinctive and unpretentious statement piece, as a sculpture / folky statue / or one of a kind decorative object! See less