Description: A hand carved wood and polychrome painted American Folk-Art lion pull toy on wheels. The carving shows a lion standing on all four on a green painted flat platform having four wheels and a hole in the front where a rope would be inserted for a child to pull the lion along. These toys were very common in the 1700s, 1800s, and 1900s in Pennsylvania Dutch Country where they were played with by children of all ages. This is what we believe is a reproduction from the mid to late 1900s. It is by an unknown artist and is unsigned. Most likely was done for a child by his father in the country side somewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The lion has a long brown colored leather tail and a brown carved mane. The body of the lion is colored in yellow and the facial details of the lion are drawn on the yellow flat surface of the face as opposed to being carved. The details show eyes with pupils and a blackened spot within the brown mane on the front of the face for a nose. There is no mouth or ears shown on the lion's face. A very simple toy made by a non-artist or carver but still a great representative piece of the art form. The carving is made in the best tradition of Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art tradition common in Southeastern Pennsylvania and especially Lancaster County, where this piece was acquired. A nice piece of American folk art to add to your Americana Collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description. 

Date: Unknown. 

Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in southeastern Pennsylvania. 

Size: Measures ~6 3/4" high, with the lion being 7" long, ~2" at its widest, and ~5" at its highest. The platform is ~2 3/4" by ~6 3/4" and the wheels being ~2" in diameter. The piece weighs about 11.5 ounces. 

Maker: Unknown. 

Marks: Unmarked. 

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Truly a nice and interesting piece of American folk art, which would make a worthy addition to your collection. 

Condition: The carving is in excellent condition, with no breaks, cracks, losses, or repairs. It does have minor scratches and minimal loss to the paint if any. The piece is missing the rope which would go in the hole at the fort for it to be pulled along. Such a piece of rope would be easily replaceable. A nice piece of American folk art for your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.