Posted 4 years ago
Lamplover78
(261 items)
I found this over the summer, I forgot to post. So here it is. Doing some research I'm guessing 1860. It has age appropriate wear, pitting in the iron, square hammered nails. . The wrought iron sides needs new screws to hold up the wooden sun cover. They are adjustable. The wheels are magnificent. Metal covered wood, also very fragile. Its missing two boards for the feet. But I have found them just need to glue them back on. I am hoping to find a baby to put in it. But I think its just fine how it is until I do. I debated on buying this. But I am so glad I did. I'm not sure I can ever find another.
I have had several of these in different sizes. All were wonderfully done reproductions from the Philippians that flooded the markets here back during the 70's and 80's. The work they did on them is really good especially the metalwork.
This one is so old and delicate I truly believe it's an original. I'll repost some different pictures. I live in New York. Where everything is old!!
I lived right next to you in New England but that didn't make my buggies old, just very old looking. Mine even showed more wear and age than this one does. They are a fun show thing.
Ok added two different pictures. I'm not at home right now to take better ones. But would love to know opinions. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment! Is there any way to really look for or to know if it's a reproduction? I don't care one way or another really. I paid very little for it. But would love to know!! I have had an antique store offer me money for it. But I am not ready to part with yet.
Other than the screws where someone botched a repair in the picture even the nails are not looking that old. Same for the wheel and hub in pic #4. I would proceed slowly. Nobody can tell from a picture and most antique dealers aren't qualified to accurately evaluate it. To them anything that looks old is automatically an antique. You are going to need a professional opinion from in person examination of it.
I’m curious about what secures the wooden part to the metal parts.....assuming picture 3 is representative of all 4 corners, that doesn’t look very secure.
A lady wearing a long dress of the 1800s would have quite a time placing a baby in the seat since the wheels, handle and front axle look like they would present obstructions from all sides.
I can’t imaging what age group it would be meant for since the sides are quite low for the younger ones and it doesn’t look sturdy enough for those a bit older and heavier.
I’m also wondering why the bottom was left unpainted unless it was meant to demonstrate some age of darkened wood around the nails.
Quality construction would not have the nails so close to the board edges that they split the wood.
I makes a pretty show piece but for a human baby, I have doubts a parent would have used it.
I hope my thoughts about your item are not offensive; they are not meant to be. Maybe your research and others here will help you determine facts about it.
Thank you very much for your comment watchsearcher! Not offensive at all, in fact it makes much sense. I will take new better pictures since I am home now. I definitely couldn't imagine a real baby in it. It's definitely bouncy, would be scary.
I just took some new pictures. Indeed it says inspired by, also 1991. So guessing it was made in 1991! Definitely not an antique. Thanks for your help! I will change my title.
I guess when we get things we hope so much that they are authentic! But I still think this is a wonderful item.