Horse Race Toy

This delightful carved wooden horse race toy reflects a rich tradition of mechanically animated play objects produced in France, in which craftsmanship and amusement intersect. Composed of a central wooden column with a spiral metal spring, a carousel with paper horses and jockeys rotates around the base. When inverted, the toy is activated by gravity, allowing the suspended horses to travel in a circular motion – quite quickly – while descending along the central shaft. While its precise date remains unknown, the toy was certainly a charming amusement for children and adults alike.

Year: Mid 20th century

Material: Polychrome wood, paper, metal

Dimensions: Ø 11 ¾ x H 17 ¾ in