“Royal” rocking horse under the hammer

A rocking horse reputedly made for one of the children of King George V is to go under the hammer at Bonhams later this week. Dating from circa 1910, the dapple grey is expected to fetch around £8,000.

Particularly notable is the embroidered George V royal cypher on the blue saddlecloth, suspected to be in reference to his coronation. Bonhams describes the horse’s condition as “good to excellent”, with exquisite details of gold fringing and brass-studded rosettes, imitating those used by the Equerry to the royal household.

The horse will be the highlight at the Bonhams sale of dolls and teddy bears, toys and lead soldiers at Montpelier Street in Knightsbridge, London, on 17-18 May.

The rocking horse has already secured a nod of royal approval from The Queen, who admired it on a visit to the Guards Museum, where it was exhibited.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (12 May, 05)

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