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Armitage-Herschell Track Machine Horse
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The NCA Carousel Identification Project on this page was completed on 08/22/2012
The Request: I would appreciate your input in identifying the maker, and anything else that might be known about my carousel horse.
About a dozen years ago, I purchased the horse at auction. At that time, it was nearly black with soot, It was represented as having been de-accessioned by the Cabildo, Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans, in the aftermath of their fire in 1988. Most of the soot washed off, though there is still a charred area on one side of the head. For my purposes, it has been part of the piece's patina and charm, though I am sure many others would prefer it repainted and restored. If it once had glass eyes (it appears it did) they are now absent. The tail and mane are both carved wood.
I have not been able to secure any information as to its origins. That it was at the museum might suggest it was from a carousel in the New Orleans area. If anyone recognizes the maker of the horse, could they also point me to an area carousel by the same craftsman? To my unschooled eye, it looks rather like a Dentzel. I look forward to learning more about the horse, its maker, and any hints anyone might have as to its origins.
The NCA Conclusion: We believe your horse is an Armitage-Herschell horse originally from a late 1890’s track machine carousel. The current configuration of the horse with pole holes at the belly and saddle pommel indicates the horse was converted at some point to a jumping style carousel. This was common as the jumping style carousels replaced the earlier track machines. Based on measurements the horse is a small or medium size figure for this style. The tail is a replacement. Originally the horse would have had a real horse hair tail. The saddle horn has been added and was not on the original horse. We speculate the metal fitting at the saddle pommel is a bushing to help align the horse pole.
These horses are difficult to trace to the original carousel because of the similarity to each other. That and most track machines being portable were moved often from location to location. Should you find additional information about the horse please share it with us.
This is link shows an early track machine similar to the one your horse is from. These photos show the mechanical operation and arrangement of the horses on a track machine.
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