Wind Rocking Iron Golfer

What exactly do you call this?
Any age or recent decorative piece?
Thanks

 

I can't tell if yours would go around in the wind or just move up and down or just parts would move but . . . perhaps the word "whirligig" applies.

Good photos of some whirligigs in the link below --

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whirligig#Wind-driven_whirligigs

 

Kinda but nothing actually spins. I guess it is supposed to rock when the wind blows. You place that triangle cut from the last photo on an edge.
Also parts of the golfer swivel.

 

Thanks for that information, Kardinalisimo. Now I can't wait to find out what it really is.

Come on, folks -- tell both of us what it is.

 

So.... when some force moves the triangle with the 7 on it, the golfer swings his club?

 

I'll call him....Duffy. How's that?

 

So, a force move the triangle, the whole thing starts moving back and forward and the golfers hands, club, head and body start swivling too. But I can't find a good place where to put the piece. Maybe on a tight rope, wire or something like that.

 

I'm sure I've seen something like this before, but can't remember what it sat on so it would work without falling over. There's got to be something missing.

 

I did some looking to no avail but he's cool! I'd copy him and make more.
It think that that may have been a bundle of Thistle on his back at one time.
I also suspect he was at a miniature golf course, hole 7.

 

Oh, I like that idea!

The only thing is - it doesn't look like he's spent all that much time outside. No fading of the colors. The rope on the license plate? looks pristine. And what's up with that, anyway? He's had some hard knocks, but not the kind that would come from a life on a put-put course.

In the second picture, there's an inset giving close up look at an edge. What's that round grey thing with the letters AL_ ? on it?

 

He could have been under cover or even an indoor course though....
You mean; AM?
Yes...this all may mean he's a 2005 copy of one made in 1907.

 

that's a metal stamp stuck on the rope.
& iy does look like it waas outside , but someone gave it a good cleaning....imo..

 

It is a lead seal on a string with AM on it. Also on the string, a plate with AM2005/ AS 1907
Indeed not much of a wear from sitting outside.

 

A hole in one for Bookahtoo!

Here's a place that sells lots of different kinds - including one very much like yours.

http://www.treasures2remember.com/Category/am_balancetoys

 

Thanks.
Here is a video of how it works.
http://www.marshbeckreproductionfurniture.co.uk/acatalog/info-TM100.html


Wonder if those were made by different makers? So, the piece is separated from the stand, right? You just out it on the top of the flat surface.
Here they say it is a replica of 18th/19th C. seasonal accessories?
http://www.invitinghome.com/balance-toys/sky-hook-golfer.htm

 

Yes, you are missing the stand. I would take that bit about 18th/19th century origin with a bit of salt.

Since your golfer has a different face, it might have been made by a different maker (which would explain the hanging tag too.)

 

It balances perfectly on any flat surface. No time for longer videos.

 

I hate to say it (because is does balance on that table) but the visual impact of the swinging arm and pin flag are lost in that non-stand installation.

"Any flat surface" that's high enough off the floor and has open space beneath sufficient to allow the arm to swing freely.

Really, the stand is a much better way to go.

 

Modern decorative item. These were in the import catalogs in the 80s and 90s. Based on 19th century balancing toys. In looking at such things, I find virtually every one on-line to be a reproduction. Here is one that seems to be old. Not sure why it looks to have a saw blade incorporated. There were 19th century manufactured versions but I certainly can't find any right now.



Yours with the mechanical action is an interesting variation.