AboutBruce W. Zubee Expertise I can answer any questions regarding antique carousel horses, menagerie figures and any type of carousel component. I can also answer questions regarding other antique wooden horses.
Experience Over thirty years experience in the restoration, sale and appraisal of antique carousel figures other carousel components and related items
Organizations National Carousel Assn.
Publications www.carousels.com, Carousel Times Magazine
Currently Editor/Publisher of Carousels.com and CarouselStores.com Consultant to the New England Carousel Museum
Expert: Bruce W. Zubee Date: 5/23/2007 Subject: Wooden horse velocipede
Question I puchased two wooden horse velocipedes. I was told they are cr. 1850's. At the time of purchase, I had no idea that these were very rare and most likely a reproduction. I am an antique dealer and purchased them for resale. They really, really look like the real deal to me. Before I send you any pictures, I thought perhaps you could tell me what to look for to determine that they are reproductions. I feel I could resell them for a profit if they are repos, but if they are actually from the 1850's, I need to know so I can price them accordingly. I will be happy to send you pictures and if I do send pictures...please tell me which areas of the velocipede I should zoom in on. Thanks! Wendy
Answer Wendy,
Feel free to send me a photo, but I can almost tell you without seeing it that you probably have a reproduction. Authentic velocipedes are so rare, that most, if not all are in museum collections. The repros can be convincing since the metal hardware is sometimes rusted and the leather on the saddle can look very old. The finish on the horse can also look very old. It's fairly simple to synthetically age something.
Again, feel free to send me a photo at: bruce@carousels.com
