A GEORGE V PAINTED AND CARVED WOOD ROCKING HORSE, CIRCA 1925, ATTRIBUTED TO LINES BROS LTD. |

with glass eyes, horsehair and leather bridlery on a pine and turned pine support

Much loved. With the kind of wear one would expect from heavy play. Chips, old marks and scratches throughout to paint. Later yellowish varnish in places. Exposed gesso and cracks to joins. Mane and forlock trimmed. Leather bridlery later worn and with losses, eg no stirrup straps. Pine frame slightly wobbily. An object of great charm. This is being sold as a decorative object rather than a toy so not suitable for children.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For comparison see a rocking Horse from circa 1925 illustrated by Patricia Mullens in The Rocking Horse, A History of Moving Toy Horses, London, 1992, London, p103. This illustrated example, by the Lines Bros Ltd., was marketed at the time as ‘extra carved’ and like the present lot is a dappled grey with identically turned pine supporting uprights. Lines Bros was established in 1919 by three brothers Will, Arthur and Walter who manufactured toys in Ormside Street on the Old Kent Road from 1919. The success of their company grew as smart retailers such as Harrods, and further afield, Harvey Greenacre & Co. Ltd. of Durban, South Africa, amongst others, ordered stock from them.