BARTLETT ROCKING HORSESThis size 4 horse was made in the 1950s at the Fenwick St, Clifton Hill, Melb. factory of R.J.Bartlett & Son. The firm made up to 6 different sizes of rocking horses as well as models for Merry-go-rounds and Horsey Plane rides. Production started in 1913 and continued until 1926 at the Gore St premises before shifting to Fenwick St, Clifton Hill where they remained until 1972 when they closed down.
Horses produced before 1937 tend to have more shape than those made later, when the ears were lengthened, the face more fatter, saddle area increased, the cast clamps changed from a 1 bolt 2 screw to a 1 bolt 3 screw. The first rosettes of Red/Gold/Black ribbon changed to Red/White/Blue when WW1 began, as the early one was the same as the German Flag. About 1922 a circular 8 scallop die was used to cut them from leather, 1937 they became oval with 12 scallops around the outer edge before the final change to plain discs. The turning pattern of the stand post was losing the finer detail of the early models. The harnessing pattern and 3 pocket saddle (copied from G&J Lines Eng) remained the same, although saddle, cloth and edging colours changed with different periods of production. Other minor changes such as no gap in the clamp tunnel, Ash stands, drive on caps instead of split pin and washer covered with a Top hat, and changes in the number of 'dots' in the dapple pattern are but some of the clues that lead to determining the period of production.
Confusion can be encountered if the horse was returned to the factory for restoration, when colours, dapple pattern and clamp plates of the style used at the time of restoration, were fitted to up-grade the horse to the latest model. A refurbish, not a restoration! Some stands (pre 1945 are Kauri) have to be reproduced due to borer infestation, rot or other damage which would effect their safety factor. The dappling was a subtle form of camouflage to disguise marks and cracks and the blackened areas are the ‘high damage’ ones more easily touched-up without being obvious. Average restoration charge is around $au800. |
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The finished article! |
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Rocking Horse Man |
