Great care is taken to ensure that the horse and stand are sound, safe and secure. I do not acquire any horses that have, or have had, woodworm or rot of any kind. Minor cosmetic repairs are sometimes necessary to chipped ears or to legs where the stirrups have been used too enthusiastically.
A new mane and tail of real horse hair are fitted together with real leather tack. A well upholstered saddle is added in keeping with the original style complete with leather trim.
The dappling is not as heavy as the original but varies in intensity and is either black or grey to suit the colour of the mane and tail which is black or blond/ white.
Restoration
Our horses often come to us in a sorry state. Although well used they have all been loved and cherished by their owners and whilst they are sad to part they always ask to see pictures of the horse after it is restored to it’s former glory. Above are examples of before and after our makeover magic.
Makes of Horses
Collinsons
J Collinsons & Sons was a family firm making rocking horses in Liverpool over five generations from 1836 until the 1980's. That many examples survive is testimony to the sturdy construction although with such a long period of production and little change in styling it is difficult to precisely date them. Most of those I have are believed to date from 1950-80 period although some may be older.
The range is characterised by an arched neck and distinctive dappling.On some the head is turned to one side.The stand always has rectangular pillars and diamond covers on the top rail.
Very similar horses are found made by Baby Carriages another company formed by a branch of the Collinsons family.
Restored and revitalised these horses represent excellent investment value for relatively modest outlay either as a wonderful plaything or a beautiful decorative talking point.
Lines
Another family firm from which two brothers George and Joseph specialised in making quality rocking horses from 1876. After the first world war Joseph’s sons set up on their own as Lines Bros which later became Triang. Their most well known range of horses is ‘Sportiboy’ distinguished by their dished faces and turned pillars on the stands. They are appealing and always popular with young and older horse lovers.
F H Ayres
Recognised as the Rolls Royce of rocking horses many fine examples were produced from the mid 1800’s through until 1940. They made a wide range of bow and swing stand horses which even today are highly sought after as a sure investment. These top quality horses command premium prices.
J Collinsons & Sons was a family firm making rocking horses in Liverpool over five generations from 1836 until the 1980's. That many examples survive is testimony to the sturdy construction although with such a long period of production and little change in styling it is difficult to precisely date them. Most of those I have are believed to date from 1950-80 period although some may be older.
The range is characterised by an arched neck and distinctive dappling.On some the head is turned to one side.The stand always has rectangular pillars and diamond covers on the top rail.
Very similar horses are found made by Baby Carriages another company formed by a branch of the Collinsons family.
Restored and revitalised these horses represent excellent investment value for relatively modest outlay either as a wonderful plaything or a beautiful decorative talking point.
Lines
Another family firm from which two brothers George and Joseph specialised in making quality rocking horses from 1876. After the first world war Joseph’s sons set up on their own as Lines Bros which later became Triang. Their most well known range of horses is ‘Sportiboy’ distinguished by their dished faces and turned pillars on the stands. They are appealing and always popular with young and older horse lovers.
F H Ayres
Recognised as the Rolls Royce of rocking horses many fine examples were produced from the mid 1800’s through until 1940. They made a wide range of bow and swing stand horses which even today are highly sought after as a sure investment. These top quality horses command premium prices.
An example before restoration
A horse restored to it’s former glory