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ID #SA1238247
FOR SALE
£1,380
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C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large (124cm H), Leather Horse (English)
For sale by White Space Antiques
for sale €1,615     $1,753
£1,380
White Space Antiques

White Space Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Feb 2026
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C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large (124cm H), Leather Horse (English)

1920 - 1940
Description

C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large, Leather Horse (English).

Often referred to as 'Omersa', this particular model was designed and produced by 'Old Bill' who was the original designer of leather animals for Liberty of London from 1927 until handing over the reigns to Omersa in 1955 upon his retirement.

This extra large model was produced between 1930 and 1940, and is 124cm high. It's believed that this model was used as a shop promotional model, which would have stood inside Liberty of London, to advertise the miniature leather horses which are more common.

This handsome horse is beautifully crafted in a rearing position with excellent patina. It features glass eyes and tooled leather.

CONDITION:

Structurally solid with no breaks, rips or tears. Aged leather, recently conditioned, creating a stunning patina.

DIMENSIONS:

124cm H

100cm D

32cm W

Physical Dimensions
Height
124cm (48.82")
Width
32cm (12.60")
Depth
100cm (39.37")
Declaration

White Space Antiques has dated this Antique Leather Horse Sculpture to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1238247
Description
C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large, Leather Horse (English).

Often referred to as 'Omersa', this particular model was designed and produced by 'Old Bill' who was the original designer of leather animals for Liberty of London from 1927 until handing over the reigns to Omersa in 1955 upon his retirement.

This extra large model was produced between 1930 and 1940, and is 124cm high.

“
It's believed that this model was used as a shop promotional model, which would have stood inside Liberty of London, to advertise the miniature leather horses which are more common.
White Space Antiques
fig 1. A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail.
fig 1. C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large (124cm H), Leather Horse (English)

This handsome horse is beautifully crafted in a rearing position with excellent patina. It features glass eyes and tooled leather.

CONDITION:

Structurally solid with no breaks, rips or tears. Aged leather, recently conditioned, creating a stunning patina.

DIMENSIONS:

124cm H

100cm D

32cm W

Height
124cm (48.82")
Width
32cm (12.60")
Depth
100cm (39.37")
Date of Manufacture

White Space Antiques has dated this Antique Leather Horse Sculpture to the 1930s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1238247
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Feb 2026

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Dealer Profile

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A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail.
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Archive I A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail.

C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large (124cm H), Leather Horse (English)

Archive II A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail. View II
Archive III A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail. View III
Archive IV A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail. View IV
Archive V A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail. View V
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White Space Antiques

White Space Antiques
Telephone 07760 835542
Location
Westbury
Wiltshire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace
Verified Since Feb 2026
Items For Sale 70
Items Sold 3
White Space Antiques
White Space Antiques
Verified Since Feb 2026
View Dealer Info
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/whitespace
Verified
Feb 2026
For Sale
70
Sold
3
A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail.
C. 1930, 'Old Bill' for Liberty of London, Large (124cm H), Leather Horse (English)
Ref: SA1238247
A large dark brown leather rearing horse sculpture crafted with muscular detailing, mane, and tail.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleArt Deco
  • MaterialLeather, Wood, Glass
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsRearing pose, Hand-stitched seams, Moulded musculature, Glass eyes
  • SizeH 124 cm (49 in) x W 32 cm (13 in) x D 100 cm (39 in)

This large Art Deco sculptural object is an English leather horse produced circa 1930 for Liberty of London by the designer known as Old Bill, measuring 124 cm high, 100 cm deep, and 32 cm wide. Modelled in a dynamic rearing pose, the piece displays detailed muscular moulding along the chest and flanks, hand-stitched seams running down the neck, and a short textured mane with an erect tuft at the poll. The dark brown leather surface reveals an aged patina with varied tonal high points and smooth wear across the body, complemented by inset glass eyes and a long tail extending downward. The form stands stably on four muscular legs ending in rounded hooves. Within a contemporary interior, this decorative sculpture suits placement in an empty corner of a gentleman's library or study as a standalone sculptural display piece.

FAQs

During the interwar period, retailers such as Liberty of London popularized hand-crafted leather animal figures. These items were designed as decorative interior accents and shop display models, taking inspiration from traditional equestrian saddlery techniques.

These sculptures were built around a solid wood, plaster, or wired armature to establish the anatomical form. Wet pigskin or cowhide was then stretched, moulded, and hand-stitched over the frame before being dyed and polished.

Authentic period examples display hand-stitched seams, glass inset eyes, detailed muscular moulding, and natural surface patination from age. Later reproductions often feature synthetic materials, machine stitching, or uniform surface finishes.

A large floor-standing leather sculpture works as a focal point in a study, library, or hallway. Place the figure in an empty corner, near a fireplace alcove, or alongside classic timber furniture to add texture and visual interest.

Keep leather figures away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying and cracking. Dust regularly with a dry microfibre cloth and apply a clear, specialized leather balm or wax sparingly to preserve flexibility.
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