Antique German Convertible Rocking Horse

This Christmas I received one of my most long-sought antique toys: a "convertible" German platform rocking horse circa the early 1900s. The horse, made of a wool or brennessel type material over a carved wooden frame, stands 28 inches high, and still has his original saddle, bridle, and reins, along with his real hair mane and tail. The horse is mounted on a wheeled platform, which was then attached to a rocker base. It could be ridden as a rocker, or removed from the base and pushed about on its wheels.

The original saddle has lovely detailing, in very Christmasy colors:

 Here's a close-up view of the carving on the horse's head:

And here's a close-up of the platform base, with its great old cast iron wheels:

Don't you just want to take him for a ride?

Antique German Dollhouse General Store

One of my most spectacular Christmas gifts this year was this antique German dollhouse shop, a general store circa 1900, measuring 18 inches wide. It has its original counter, tin cash register, drawers with tin labels (written in English for the American and British markets), floor paper, wallpaper border, and many old products and accessories.

 The shop came with an assortment of antique German-made cakes and pies, including a very appropriate Christmas pudding trimmed with holly:

It was also loaded with lots of old miniature packages; a sampling is shown below. Who wouldn't like a box of Nirvana? I didn't know we could buy such a metaphysical concept, and so neatly packaged too. (Oh, one of my German friends has just informed me this was likely a coffee brand...)

The tin cash register is a wonderful piece. Looks like the shopkeeper is getting ready to ring up a basket of eggs:

Another great old piece is this tiny bird cage, made of pressed and painted tin, with an itty-bitty bird inside:

The shop also came with a wonderful old mop, useful for cleaning up spills from the dry goods drawers...

...and a tin scoop and pan:

My old Clark & Coats Company paper doll seems to fit perfectly behind the counter of this warm and cozy shop:

Antique American Teddy Bear

One of this year's Christmas presents was this little antique American teddy bear, ten inches tall, all-original, circa 1920. I love his lopsided grin. Here he is with his new friend, a miniature French dolly:

Teddy Bear Christmas

Recently, I found this tiny, 5 inch tall vintage aluminum Christmas tree, dating from the early 1960s. Maybe it was intended for a funky, modernist dollhouse. It's now the perfect size for my little Peng Peng polar bear.

It's Almost Here!

For those who have been tormented by my Christmas peek posts, the wait is almost over: only 5 days to go, and all will be revealed!


Merry Almost-Christmas!