Items Similar to Prototype Late 19th Century Hand Carved Toy Horse Drawn Hansom Cab, American
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Prototype Late 19th Century Hand Carved Toy Horse Drawn Hansom Cab, American
About the Item
This is a hand carved wood prototype for a toy that would have been the model for a 19th century cast iron or tin horse drawn hansom cab. It precedes the mold and/or the bronze pattern; probably American, circa 1890.
Prototypes would have been made for one of three reasons:
1) To be used as a model, along with a detailed description complementing diagrams for a patent to submit to the United States Patent office. Often times the actual toy was deviated from in production for several reasons, ranging from ease of manufacture and design, to practicality on the end use;
2) To make a mold for a bronze pattern from which cast iron examples would have been made for sale to the public (usually carved in separate pieces);
3) To conceptualize and create the idea for a toy either in tin or cast iron, from which a mold and pattern would then be created.
I have not been able to locate the exact toy for which this prototype was created, but there were many similar toys manufactured by Hubley, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Wilkens Toy Company, Keene, New Hampshire, and The Kenton Hardware Company, Kenton, Ohio, which closely resemble 19th century designs of cast iron horse drawn hansom cabs.
A hansom cab (short for "cabriolet") was designed in 1834 by Joseph Hansom and was a horse drawn carriage such as this, with a low center of gravity for safety, manufactured for the purpose of transporting passengers. It was improved upon and became prolific in all major cities around the world in the late 19th century.
This prototype is in excellent condition; designed with two figures, a driver and a coachman; and is pulled by three beautifully carved horses on six original wooden wheels. It is in original condition and is stained in several earth tones; with a "hint" of red stenciling on both sides and rear of the coach, which was prevalent on early American tin (see image). The "string" reins also appear to be original.
Dimensions: 5 3/4" high x 12" long x 5" wide
Provenance: My own personal collection since 1988; acquired from and previously owned by Charles Klappert, La Jolla, California; a well known collector of mechanical banks and American toys.
- Dimensions:Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 12 in (30.48 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1890
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Incline Village, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU973219935292
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1976
1stDibs seller since 2013
247 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
Art Dealers Association of America
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Incline Village, NV
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- American Salesman Sample Late 19th C. Wooden Hay WagonLocated in Incline Village, NVSALESMAN SAMPLE: Late 19th C. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn hay wagon, in excellent condition with original gold stenciling to carr...Category
Antique 1890s American Folk Art Toys
MaterialsWood
- American Salesman Sample Late 19th Century Wooden Flat Bed Cargo WagonLocated in Incline Village, NVSalesman Sample : Late 19th century. American (4) wheeled hand carved all wooden horse drawn flat bed cargo wagon, in excellent condition with original red st...Category
Antique 1890s American Folk Art Toys
MaterialsWood
- American Tin Toy Trolley, circa 1880By George W. Brown & Co.Located in Incline Village, NVHorse drawn trolleys or "horse buses" were the main source of "mass transit", along with trains in the late 1800s in America. Thus they were ubiquitous subject matter for toy makers to exploit as toys for young children. While many tin toy...Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Toys
MaterialsTin
- Early 20th Century Toy Noah's Ark, GermanLocated in Incline Village, NVToy Noah’s Arks for children to play with were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, and Germany was very prolific in their production. This particular ark is all ori...Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys
MaterialsWood
- Late 1940s Penny Toy Wind-Up Train, Attributed JapanLocated in Incline Village, NVDiminutive late 1940s "penny toy like" wind-up tin toy platform train modern and sleek looking for that era; it is hand painted and lithographed in bright co...Category
Vintage 1940s Japanese Folk Art Toys
MaterialsTin
- "Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968By Utexiqual ProductsLocated in Incline Village, NVIn near mint and all original condition this vintage mechanical bank appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and bank collectors; perhaps a collector of "cat" memorabelia as well. The theme depicts two sailors riding their boat in full sail. It is quite substantial in both size and weight. To operate, (with the lever pushed all the way in from the left); place a coin vertically above the left arm of the sailor in red; from the right; push the lever all the way in. The sail and Boom hits the sailor, knocking him over as the coin drops into the bank. The other sailor moves forward while manning the tiller. The bank is named "Cat Boat...Category
Vintage 1960s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
MaterialsAluminum, Iron, Tin
You May Also Like
- 19th Century Crandalls John Gilpin ToyLocated in London, GB19th century Crandalls John Gilpin toy We are proud to offer a rare survivor from the late 19th century. In the form of a fully articulated child’s toy. Made from pine, detailed ...Category
Antique 1890s American Victorian Toys
MaterialsPine
- 19th Century Romanian Polychrome Wooden Rocking HorseLocated in Rio Vista, CACharming 19th century Romanian hand carved wooden rocking horse. Featuring a colorful polychrome finish on a base decorated with a floral m...Category
Antique 19th Century Romanian Folk Art Toys
MaterialsWood, Lacquer
- 19th Century Articulated Pull Along Dog ToyLocated in London, GB19th century articulated pull along dog toy A wonderful example of a late 19th Century articulated pull along dog, constructed from pine and metal hinged body with painted detail surface. Original fabric canvas ears still intact as is its full chain. Glass eyes and red wooden wheels give this rare toy a wonderful quirky and decorative look, when pulled along the dog wiggles from side to side, a real bit of fun. Dimensions in inches: H 14 x D 20 x W 7 Origin: English circa: 1880 - 1920 Condition: Good Completely solid in structure and form, aged surface as shown with a deep natural patina across all areas. A rare survivor so please expect this to be reflected in this items condition. The House of Antiques...Category
Antique 1880s British Early Victorian Toys
MaterialsPine
- Hand-Painted Metal Store Window Advertising Horse Drawn CarriageLocated in Hamilton, OntarioHand-painted metal and wood horses pulling an ornate carriage. Was used as an advertising window prop or just as a toy.Category
20th Century Models and Miniatures
MaterialsMetal
- English Rocking Horse Ride On 19th CenturyLocated in East Hampton, NYThis antique rocking horse is an antique English straw stuffed painted canvas ride on horse. Some of the paint has been touched up over the long...Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Toys
MaterialsGoat Hair, Canvas, Wood, Paint
- 19th Century Italian Painted Wood Rocking HorseLocated in Atlanta, GA19th century Italian painted wood rocking horse.Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Toys
MaterialsWood, Paint