LOOFF WOODEN CAROUSEL HORSE FOLK ART CIRCUS ANTIQUE The best on eBay at this time.JEWELS, MANE, CANTIL, WOW Start Price USD 8,650.00 Current Price USD 8,650.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price USD 9,050.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, November 28, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Hampton, New Hampshire See more about 'LOOFF WOODEN CAROUSEL HORSE FOLK ART CIRCUS ANTIQUE' Description AUTHENTIC ANTIQUE CAROUSEL LARGE OUTSIDE ROW JUMPER HORSE WITH JEWELS ATTRIBUTED TO LOOFF This is a wonderful example of the mastery of Charles Looff, originator of the Coney Island style of carousel art, circa 1895-1900.  Other carvers including Charles Carmel and Marcus Illions, both carvers who went on to start their own workshops, and John Zalar, who later worked with the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, worked for Looff in their early careers.  I suspect Looff's style rubbed off onto them as well as they carrying on in their own techniques. This superior example, with some favorite attributes, is in the top level of horses made during this period.  We are proud to present you such a fine example and please let me know what you think about the piece.  We are inspired by others opinions and if you have anything to add, we would love to hear it. Some of the horse's characteristics are the pretty raised head with open mouth, the detail to horse's draped forelock over the snout, protruding veins on the head, the under saddle cantle with flowers and tassels, the tufted saddle blanket, the full carved harness elements simulating leather, and of course; the many jewels mounted all over the outside of this carved jumper. The paint is very detailed.  I especially like the smoky spotted grey to the horse's coat...just that bit of extra which of course this fine horse deserves.  The original sale catalog describes the horse as "in original paint",  I have found out that the horse from this collection were all restored in the 60s when acquitred.  I was under the impression all carousel horses were painted many times during there normal operation use, so having restoration makes sense.  It is possible they meant the horse was restored to its actual painted color scheme.  Either way, it is as the photos describe and do examine them closely.  This horse was chosen by a discriminating collector who attended the John and Mabel Ringling Museum Collection sale at Phillips Auction, New York in May, 1986.  The group of carousel horses in this sale were originally donated to the museum in 1965 by Carl J. Sedlmayr, Sr. & Jr., owners of the nation's largest carnival, The Royal American Shows.  The proceeds from this auction went to implement the Circus Gallery at the Ringling Museum which is now a FL State owned museum.  The collector I acquired this horse from, was more interested in attaining the best examples of carousel art over the price he paid, choosing this and 2 others over many horses in the sale.  It was purchased for $15,000.00, which he felt was a bargain at the time.  Condition:  Very nice and ready to be showcased in your home as a fine piece of folk art.  Sturdy on its display base but not meant for riders, please!!  You'll have to design your own stand for that if you want to use the horse for that purpose.  I have not noticed any damage to the legs or repairs, just normal seams.  There is some crazing and a rubbed area on the inside head mane.  On the tail, there are 3 dots where I think jewels once were glued.  Looking closely, I see no evidence of any repair to the tail and glue spots are more external than plugs for possible repair screws, so this leads me to guess that jewels were mounted there. Examine pictures closely and you should be very please with this horse. No exceuses need to be made..it's wonderful. I HAVE IN STOCK A FULL SIZE MODERN MADE ROCKING HORSE WITH JEWELS.  PLEASE ASK ME FOR PHOTOS IF YOU HAVE INTEREST.  We have quite an inventory of other clocks as well as a full selection of custom antiques and furnishings.  Please check the about me page and you can see some things we have interest in buying and selling in our 50 year old antiques business. Dimensions: 62" lg.,  53" ht., 12" wd. Check out my other auctions and my About Me page for web site of my antiques store. Payment is required within 7 days after auction.  Enjoy bidding and good luck. We have a crate made to enclose horse legs and mount the horse for trucking.  Delivery is the responsibility of the buyer but we will do our best to arrange you convenient delivery if we can arrange something with our network of dealers across the country.  Please feel free to inquire. Place a Bid!