Antique 19th Century French Carved Wood Horse Tricycle | Hand-Painted Dapple Grey Velocipede with Ornate Cast Iron Frame

Every nursery deserves a thoroughbred, and this one has been cantering gently through the decades since the 1800s. A hand-carved wooden horse, dapple grey with a sweeping charcoal mane and a knowing painted eye, stands proudly atop an ornate cast iron velocipede frame with spoked wheels, a turned wooden handlebar and a soft little leather saddle. Give the pedals a turn and the whole thing still rolls, exactly as some very lucky French child once intended.

The paintwork has mellowed into the most wonderful patina, all gentle crackle and honest wear, the kind of age you simply cannot fake. Part toy, part folk sculpture, and entirely captivating, it is the sort of piece that stops a room and starts a conversation.

Styling & Collectors Inspiration

This little steed loves grand, characterful company. Set it beneath the soft gaze of our Antique 18th Century French Marble Angel Head for a French country house tableau, or pair it with the period charm of our Antique French Gilt Bronze Mantel Clock on a console. Animal lovers will adore standing it alongside our Cast Iron Greyhound Bust, while a shelf of our Hand-Carved Lion Head Bookends keeps the carved wood theme galloping along. Equally at home in a designer nursery, a library, or a collector's cabinet of curiosities.

Details

• Origin: France, 19th century
• Child's horse tricycle (velocipede), hand-carved in solid wood
• Original polychrome dapple grey paint with charcoal mane and tail and red bridle detailing
• Ornate cast iron frame and pedal crank with foliate scrollwork, painted red
• Red spoked metal wheels, turned wooden handlebar grips, original leather saddle and bridle
• Condition: fully functional and in original state, with authentic age related wear and patina
• Dimensions: approx. 59 cm high, 53 cm long, 35 cm wide
• Weight: approx. 6 kg

📦 Insured International Shipping

This item ships worldwide with full insurance for a modest flat fee. It will be carefully packaged by our experienced team to ensure it arrives safely, ready to charm its new home.