Folkart or Folk junk?

[Rauville]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and comments. I just looked in my inventory book and see that I acquired the toy in Sept. 1980...so, at least we have a starting date to work back from. I hate to call it a reproduction, since I've never seen an old version of this design. Maybe more of a whimsical creation?

[mart]

It could be one of a kind !!  If it was made in Germany as I think it may have been,, that  would not be uncommon !!  It sure needs a hands on appraisal !! Would be a good thing for Roadshow !!

[cogar]

My opinion is that it is authentic, all original and a good’ern.

I say that because of the metal mechanism that generates the knee movement of the rider when the center wheels turn. Said mechanism appears to me to be specifically made for that toy …… and thus to reproduce said just to make “copies” of the original would probably be cost prohibitive unless there was a considerable “demand” for said among toy collectors. Aka: pictured in a collectable toy book as being a “rare” find.

And I wouldn’t be dissuaded by its “near mint” condition. If it was purchased for a child who suddenly died …… then the parent could have “packed it away” never to be played with again to keep as a fond memory of their loss. Mothers do those things, ya know.

[mart]

Cogar,, its not the near mint condition that bothers me !!  Its where the wear that it does have is located !! And its consistancy as in places you would not expect from a kid !!

[cogar]

Mart, the cast iron wheels protrude more than 1” out from either side of both the man’s leg and the horse’s leg (picture #2) therefore rendering it an almost impossibility for either to rub on anything if said toy fell over sideways and was drug across the floor. The top of the horse’s head and the man’s arm, …… maybe yes.

Now look at the horses back leg on pic 3 !!  See where the wear is ??  All the way around the back of the leg !! And the paint is gone from the top of the legs rather than the sides !!

 

Mart, what you are seeing there is the “grain” of the unpainted edge of the wood. See below.

And I can see “wear” on the back wheel in the same picture.

[mart]

Cogar, look at the second pic that shows the underside of the legs !!  They were painted !! Top leg shows some flaking !! And about the rareity,, I looked in Schroeders toy book and only one was listed with a rider and it was made in 1870 by Stevens and Brown I think !!  Have to look again to be sure of the maker but I think thats right !!  It was not this one unfortunately !!  I am not saying you are wrong,, it could be an original,,I am just looking at the pics with a skeptics eye !!  You know,, if it looks too good to be true ,,,,,,,,,!!