Antique Rocking Horses
from
Sally's Rocking Horses Ltd
QA Quality Assurance
Although our horses are sold as antiques, we endeavour to ensure that they are fit for purpose, and on horses marked as above, the following standard applies.
1. The woodwork is sound and in good condition.
2. The paintwork is intact, or has been conserved.
3. The tack is complete and secure.
4. The rocking action is fully functional.
We value originality in rocking horses, this restricts the extent of restoration work that can be carried out on some horses, so the following exceptions apply.
1. Woodwork : Permitted minor gesso cracks, minor woodworm (though we always treat it!)
2. Paintwork : A rare and very original horse may be expected to have numerous scratches and in some places even areas down to the bare wood. For conservation purposes, such paintwork may be protected with a light varnish, and no more. Where repainting has been carried out, refer to the condition report for the condition of the paintwork. Recently restored horses should have paintwork in excellent condition.
3. Tack on a rare and original horse often becomes very frail to the point were replacement is inevitable, except in a few instances such originality is still valued. Where tack has been replaced it should be as described in the condition report, with recently replaced tack as "good as new". Manes and tails tend to have a limited life and are usually replaced with new.
4. Every horse is checked for it's rocking action. These parts usually wear well, and may require no more than replacing bearers under the rocking irons and securing brackets.
Common problems to look out for when buying an antique horse.
Rot
Rot can strike anywhere, but the favourite place with most horses is where they many have been in contact with a damp floor. Be especially vigilant on the underside of any stand or bow. Minor woodworm shouldn't be a serious problem, it is easily treated, but be aware that the exit holes only indicate part of what may be extensive boring activity. - This may weaken parts that take more load for the size of wood, such as legs, pillars and the sides of bows. Be wary of strapping and brackets that have been used to reinforce legs, sometimes this may be the only way to repair a damaged horse, but satisfy yourself that such repairs aren't superficial to cover up weakness in joints caused by rot.
Paintwork and Gesso
Don't be deterred by worn paintwork, an original horse may have more value keeping this originality and only light conservation work should be carried out. The condition of the gesso is more critical, flaking gesso is difficult to repair, and is also indicative that damp has permeated into the wood underneath. Light gesso cracks are common, but indicative of opening or weak joints underneath if they show movement or open more than 1 mm. Fading of paintwork is common, especially if there has been significant exposure to sunlight.
Leather, Tack and Manes
Manes are effectively "wearable" elements on a rocking horse, only exceptionally collectable or well preserved horses would warrant keeping a worn mane. Replacement manes are straight forward repairs, but be wary with an antique that the modern method of inserting horsehair into a groove cut down the back of the head isn't used, early horses had a mane attached to the hide nailed on the back of the head. Leather is slightly more durable, but often becomes friable and torn to the point were replacement is necessary.
Bow rockers
The bow often weakens, most antique bows are made in two halves, with a "doubler" under the decking to keep them together. Any opening of the gap between these two halves causes the bow to open. This in turn places strain on the legs, causing the leg joints to open. Beware of leg joints that open. Incomplete restorations may simply fill these gaps, without addressing the problem.
Marqua Stands
Be aware that rot often travels up from the ground, it can often be the case that it can travel up the inside of a pillar, from the bottom spigot. From the outside, the pillar can look to be in good condition. Be wary of looseness in pillar and bracket fittings, usually these are relatively simple jobs to repair, but further damage may have been caused if the horse has been used in this condition, wearing away spigot holes or bending brackets.
This article is by no means comprehensive, it should always be a consideration that in an old horse, a problem can occur anywhere after 100 years, on the other had to have endured 100 years is itself a tribute to that horses' durability.