An extraordinary piece of early doll furniture. This handmade bentwood doll push chair / stroller features wonderfully elaborate scrollwork, individually constructed wooden spoked wheels, turned finials and a tall wooden push handle.
Measuring approximately 22" tall, this is a substantial display size doll chair rather than miniature dollhouse furniture.
The construction is especially interesting. The chair is made from solid wood with slender bentwood or cane elements individually shaped and fastened to the frame with small nails/brads. The wooden wheels are constructed with individual spokes and hubs, and the entire piece has the slight irregularities and variation characteristic of hand construction rather than modern molded or mass produced doll furniture.
The elaborate scrolling sides give it a distinctly late Victorian/Edwardian appearance.
Based on its materials, construction, hardware, design and naturally aged surfaces, the estimated manufacture era is the late-19th or early-20th-century piece, approximately 1890–1920.
DETAILS - Antique doll push chair / stroller - Handmade construction - Bentwood/cane and solid wood - Large wooden spoked wheels - Smaller front wooden wheels - Elaborate hand-formed scrollwork - Turned ball finials - Tall wooden push handle - Two-level chair/platform construction - Unmarked - Attributed circa 1890–1920
MEASUREMENTS Approximately 22" H × 9.5" W × 13.5" D
CONDITION This piece is being offered as found and unrestored.
There is an existing break to a wooden structural rail near the upper chair, along with broken/separated sections of the slender bentwood/cane work. Please see the close-up photographs, which clearly document these areas.
Throughout the piece are additional signs of considerable age, including surface wear, finish loss and variation, darkening, oxidation to the small metal fasteners, marks, scratches and other imperfections associated with an old handmade wooden object.
No attempt has been made to refinish or disguise the aged surfaces or repair the damaged areas.
Despite the damage, the chair remains structurally recognizable and exceptionally decorative. Its wonderfully sculptural bentwood construction makes it beautiful displayed with an antique doll or teddy bear.
PLEASE NOTE Because the piece is unmarked and its history is unknown, I cannot guarantee a specific manufacturer or exact year of production. The circa 1890–1920 date range is an attribution based upon the visible construction, materials and design.
This is an antique collectible/display piece and is not intended for use as a modern children's toy.
A wonderfully unusual survivor for a collection of antique dolls, early toys, Victorian or Edwardian children's objects, primitive handmade pieces, or antique doll furniture.
