American, circa 1875–1900
Ex-Collection Nancy Jo Fox (1932–2025)
17” H × 38” L × 12½” D

A wonderfully graphic late 19th-century American nursery rocking horse with exceptional folk sculptural presence. The expressive carved horse retains a beautifully worn cream-gray surface with freely brushed dark dappling and surviving period leather tack.

Set within a striking deep-red frame with black pinstriping, sweeping rockers, turned spindles, and an elliptical safety gallery. Generations of childhood use have created a superb untouched surface rich with wear, oxidation, and patina.

Provenance: The Lifetime Collection of noted American folk art scholar and collector Nancy Jo Fox. Mebane Antique Auction Gallery, April 25, 2026, Lot 249.

Part toy, part furniture, and ultimately a terrific piece of painted American folk sculpture.