The NCA Carousel Identification Project on this page was completed on 05/09/10
The Request:
Thanks - I have owned the Horse since 1980 - I purchased in San Francisco at an Antique Show/Sale. I was told it was a Herschell- Spillman (Carver) late 1890's to easly 1910....my research leads me to believe that is correct. Also, I have determined it is was is described as a Middle row jumper.
I bought it refurbished...it is exactly as you see it today. I have cared for it carefully, correct temp rooms etc.....That is about as much as I know, but feel free to ask me. Appreciate any and all input.
The NCA Conclusion:
You horse is an Allan Herschell carving from the late 1920's to early 1930's. The ID Committee noted several aspects of your horse that are inconsistent with Allan Herschell similar to yours. The eyes are not typical of Allan Herschell carvings and the ears have been recarved. The head appears to have been restored extensively.
The head, ears and the eyes appear to have been restored by a person not familiar with Allan Herschell carvings. The front legs appear to be metal and from a later time period than your horse. The front metal legs were used on Allan Herschell horses in the 1940's. The rear legs also appear to be metal. These legs are the correct original metal legs for your style of figure.
What we notice is the improper attachment of the rear legs to the body. Also noted the top piece of the saddle pommel is missing. This was a small lamination of wood that is missing in many unrestored Allan Herschell figures.
