Hand Carved? Hand Painted? Wood Sleigh, Huge

My parents have had this laying around for about 20 years now. They purchased if from someone who had acquired it from an estate cleaning.

Anyway, here are some pictures.









It appears to be hand carved and hand painted, as there are brush and tool marks throughout. The skis are made of wood, and wrapped in steel, so I doubt this was ever meant to be used as an actual sleigh. I included the gallon jug in the first picture as a size reference. There are absolutely no dates, signatures or other identifying marks than I can find.

I have no idea if it is valuable or even old, but it sure is cool.

If anyone knows anything about this, or has seen something similar it would be awesome. Thanks.

 

Looks like a child's sleigh - IF original, possibly intended to be harnessed to a dog, goat, etc. Had a similar one many years ago - pulled by a goat.

I am not qualified to comment on the age, but others will be along soon.

PS In the event I haven't said it elsewhere, Welcome to the forum!

 

Welcome!
Many of us won't go to links. You can make your photos 480x640 and use the FULL IMAGE button with up to 10 per post.
Thank you.

 

I added image tags. which is effectively the same as clicking (sorry I'm a web dev by day I had to say that) but I understand being wary of links from new accounts.

Thanks!!

 

Thank you.
FABULOUS photos and sleigh as well!

 

I suspect this is not particularly old. The quality of the carving, painting, and general execution looks off to me. For lack of a better descriptor, the whole think looks rather clunky to me. Still an amazing thing that many would want for a Christmas display.

 

Well, it certainly is intriguing and unusual, that someone put a LOT of time in making!!!!! I don't get a feel of help from the carved figures or the painted figure - interesting!!!

 

I see fantasy piece. I see Asia (especially figure head carving.) A quick internet image search brings up a number of these along with examples of genuine Victorian sleds. Sleds are built for speed, after all -- and they get rough usage (especially the runners.)

http://www.sovereignandregents.com/child's_sleigh.htm

Debora

 

Decoratively speaking,its a fantastic piece.it would sell on those merits alone.The one in Deborah's link sure has a lot of similar features to OP's,makes one wonder if theirs is as old as they think.Im probably way wrong,but I think its an older piece.

 

If it were priced as a fantasy piece. These have Indonesia written all over them. The double-height runner bars alone indicate they're decorative, not functional. Slapdash carving and painting for maximum impact but not quality one would expect to find on genuine antique.

Debora

 

I agree with Debora...........

 

If you google repro antique child's sled you will find a few examples resembling yours.

 

In the 1980s just after Carousel horses were the rage, there was an influx of decorator items such as your. I think it continued well into the 90s. I think that is what you have. It would be good for doll collectors, Christmas decor etc.