|
All About Old Toys
|
HOLLYWOOD HOBBY HORSE
| Harold Llloyd, the comic genius
from the silent screen era, became president of the Hollywood Hobby Horse
Company in Los Angeles. He incorporated his zany style into the design of
this vintage hobby horse from 1929. It is in good condition overall. The
design of this toy is unique, with two back legs with rubber pads to place
your feet on, and one center foot that swings forward, and it works great!
The color is orange, with a wavy stripy pattern. It has some light paint
wear, and a small crack on back of the head near the ear. Otherwise it is
very solid. The painted details, like the goofy eyes, are worn but still
look good. The hard rubber ears are naturally aged and cracked, but still
there. The bushy tail appears to be a natural fiber. The bottom of the
feet have some chips and wear, but it was apparently well loved by a
child. It measures 18" x 11" at the base when standing straight,
and 31" tall.
This ingenious hobby horse is a fine vintage
toy, and also a fine creation from silent screen legend Harold Lloyd.
Harold Lloyd (1893-1971) was one of the pioneers of comedy during the
silent film era of the teens through the 1930's. He became known for his
brand of thrill comedy, in which his characters always found themselves in
perilous predicaments. He did his own dangerous stunts, the most famous
being his clock hanging scene in "Safety Last" Lloyd's most well
known role was the "Glasses" character, a decent American man
who risked life and limb to achieve his goals. He left film as an actor in
1938, and started a family. He was one of the 36 founders of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Lloyd was pictured on one of
ten 29¢ US commemorative postage stamps celebrating stars of the silent
screen, issued 27 April 1994.
|
Looks like Buster Keaton does he? This hobby horse is 31 inches tall.
|
|
Head view of this fantastic Hollywood Hobby Horse. |
|
|
Another Hollywood Hobby Horse Co. toy:
A great Hollywood Hobby dog.
Its label and rear end.
