Mechanical Wonders of Antique Toys
3/12/18 – As the toy sale gets closer, I am reminded that soon all of these treasures will find new homes where someone else will get to enjoy them. With my last remaining time with these pieces, I am still able to sit on the carpeted floor of our exhibition balcony and push the toys around making whatever appropriate sound a particular toy would make. I am still a kid at heart, and I love to go back in time to my childhood. This week for my pick, I was able to find two desirable traits in one single toy! This toy came to us from a collection in Virginia. Lot 221 is a hand propelled painted wood velocipede made from the late 19th century. It’s a piece of American folk art in original paint and a toy, both all wrapped up in one. This for me is the best of both worlds. I can imagine the fun a child had pushing the toy to its limits as he rode down a small grassy hill on a southern tobacco farm. The image of a young lad holding onto the mechanical push handles as the horse gallops along, the mane flowing in the wind, the ears laid back, the look of determination in the child’s eyes of getting there faster than his school yard friends. Simpler times didn’t mean simpler toys. In fact, imagine the planning and innovation in took and making this mechanical wonder. Better yet, imagine the young child topped in a cowboy hat, a cast iron cap gun holstered to his side, yelling giddy-up to his newly found travel partner. Unfortunately for me, I don’t fit in the seat anymore to try it out!
by: Jamie Shearer
