| Vintage rocking horses have been the much loved toy | | | | abundance and were accessible to families from all |
| of children for centuries. They have remained a | | | | walks of life. However, the vintage rocking horse |
| popular present, and cherished heirloom still found in | | | | design so collectable today did not become popular |
| baby nurseries and playrooms the world over. But | | | | until it was given "royal approval" from a very special |
| where did these wonderful toys comes from? The | | | | young queen. |
| toys found in today's antiques shops have a long and | | | | Queen Victoria visited J. Collinson in Liverpool to |
| fascinating history. And like all great tales, the story of | | | | purchase a toy horse to ride. The world was |
| the rocking horse includes princesses and kings, | | | | captivated when she left with a beautiful dapple grey |
| children and most of all magic! | | | | in tow. The tale of the surprising shopping trip spread |
| The original version is said to have been inspired by | | | | quickly. Soon children everywhere were wishing, hoping |
| the wheeled, wooden horses used by swordsmen | | | | and praying for a darling rocking horse of their own. |
| during the middle ages. Though these wooden horses | | | | Unlike other toys, as time went by, love for these |
| were not toys but training tools, they sparked the | | | | horses did not dwindle, but rather grew and spread. |
| imagination of toy makers and led to the development | | | | The horse toys collected today range from elaborate |
| of what we now know as the toy rocking horse. The | | | | carousel designs of the 18th century to more modern |
| traditional design which has become increasingly | | | | models which were mass-produced and purchased in |
| popular with children, complete with saddle details, | | | | the 1900s. |
| rocking base, reins and painted accessories was | | | | If you are a collector interested in purchasing a vintage |
| introduced to well-to-do children in the middle of the | | | | rocking horse, do your homework and enjoy the |
| 18th century. | | | | history! After all, it is the story behind a collection which |
| In the 19th century, as a result of the industrial | | | | really makes the magic come alive! |
| revolution, these toys started to be made in | | | | |