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A stunning rocking horse, which is believed to have been made for one of the children of King George V (1910 –1936), is to go under the hammer. Expected to attract bids of around £8,000, it is one of the highlights of Bonhams’ sale of Dolls & Teddy Bears, Toys and Lead Soldiers, at Montpelier Street Knightsbridge, 17 – 18 May; an event guaranteed to charm toy enthusiasts, collectors, and lovers of royal memorabilia.

Rocking horses of various shapes and sizes have been made for hundreds of years in many countries throughout the world, and that to be sold at Bonhams is a fine and rare example of its type. From the workshop of Victorian craftsman Frederick Henry Ayres, whose easily recognisable creations are widely regarded as the finest rocking horses of the age, this horse dates from circa 1910. It is a classic English dappled grey rocking horse, complete with long real hair mane and tail, and leather saddle, tack and stirrups. The dappled grey was a popular form, which evolved during the 18th and 19th centuries in response to the demands of an increasingly affluent society, and a colouring favoured by kings George IV and V, and queen Victoria.

This horse is particularly special since it features an embroidered George V Royal Cypher on the blue saddlecloth, which indicates that it was most probably made for one of George V’s children, or in honour of his coronation. Although it has yet to be formally identified as a former Royal Household object, there are reports of ‘much-beloved’ rocking horses in the royal nurseries from this period, and it is unlikely that a non-Royal horse would have borne the king’s insignia. The horse’s ‘good to excellent’ condition, coupled with the sumptuous details of gold-fringed edging and brass-studded rosettes, cement its importance as they imitate those used by the Equerry to the Royal Household. This rocking horse has already secured a nod of royal approval – whilst on exhibition at the Guards Museum, London it was admired by the Queen, whose love of horses is legendary.

For more details visit the Bonhams web site.