What periods do these figures come from?

The selection spans several centuries, including 17th-century architectural elements, 18th-century primitive toys, and numerous 19th-century folk and carousel examples. Twentieth-century pieces extend into the art deco era, featuring fairground figures and continental decorative horses alongside earlier traditions.

How were carousel horses used?

Carousel horses served as platform mounts on fairground carousels, spinning on operational rides during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These working figures endured heavy public use and weathering, which explains the frequent presence of multiple repaint layers and structural repairs.

Are these figures made only from wood?

While timber and hardwood form the majority of the sculptures, other materials appear across different regional traditions. Examples include hard stone of the jade family, marble animalier studies, leather over armature frameworks, and boxwood miniature carvings.

How do I display a large figure?

Large decorative pieces like carousel survivors or processional models require stable floor placement or robust wall mounting depending on their weight. Placing them away from direct heat sources helps preserve historic wooden substrates, painted finishes, and applied horsehair details.