Carved and Painted Basswood Outside Row Jumper Carousel Horse, Philadelphia Toboggan Company

a powerful carving with intricate 'blowing' mane, the trappings with carved theatrical grotesque head; inset blue and green faceted jewels, blue drape and relief carved flowers.

Re-painted; some areas are stained (body, neck and saddle); bridle blanket, roses and tassels are touched up
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Unlike most of the carousel manufacturers, the founders of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company were businessmen, not carvers.  So they hired a wide variety of artisans to create their figures and over the course of 27 years the styles of carving produced by PTC varied greatly.  In 1918 PTC made a unique machine with extraordinarily powerful looking horses on the outside row.  These horses were large and compact with thick necks and blowing manes.  Fourteen of these figures were produced and then on the following PTC machine the style changed again.  The carver who probably influenced these particular horses is most likely Frank Carretta, and his legacy is that of a group of the most spectacular figures ever made.