Antique Children's Carousel Duck Figure 19th C. Kids Merry-Go-Round Amusement Ride

Description

Recently acquired from a museum, we present this scarce, one of a kind, antique European early dobby platform flat style … more Recently acquired from a museum, we present this scarce, one of a kind, antique European early dobby platform flat style children's carousel duck (or bird) ride from the mid to late 19th century. This extremely rare and wonderfully decorative antique carousel figure, dating from 1850 to 1890, is one of the earliest known examples of this dobbies style kids carousel known to still be in existence.

Born in Amsterdam, featuring primitve hand carved solid wood sculptural form, beautifully painted with rich color, warmth depth and character. Free-standing, it's finished on all sides so it can be displayed anywhere in the room, this charming animal merry-go-round ride retains the original iron handle bar, red painted wood seat, and sturdy iron base that would have been used to mount this ride to the circular platform.

The simple, country style amusement ride (typically a horse or menagerie animal) was usually hand-crafted in the winter months by self-taught farmers with no formal training (folk art), for rural county fairs and traveling carnivals. 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. Once setup, the childrens carousel (merry-go-round in Europe) the child would sit on this figure, and operated by attaching a rope from the platform to a horse, mule or donkey and walking the animal in circles, turning the platform as it goes. circa 1870 (1850 to 1890); Amsterdam, Netherlands

Provenance:
Forth Worth Museum of Science and History in Fort Worth, Texas. It has been featured in numerous exhibits in the museum for decades. Retains location tag from the museum tied to handlebar

Dimensions:
Approx 31" Long x 25" High x 6" Wide

Museum quality example, in overall great shape. Desirable orignal, unrestored, antique condition. Presents well, with beautifully aged warm rustic weathered heavily distressed chippy paint patina with outstanding craquelure. Wear consistent with age and indicative of many years of children's industrial outdoor use. Ready for immediate display!

Presents splendidly and has a fascinating story to tell. Highly decorative and free standing, it makes for the perfect whimsical decor. Use as a whimsy larger than life-size statue, fun sculptural object, or charming outdoor garden ornament! Ready for it's next life, the elegant, attractive, chic and enchanting folk art sculpture is sure to brighten any room! less