This toy rocking horse is attributed to Lester Raymer, an American folk artist known for his handcrafted toys, which he reportedly made as gifts for his wife rather than for public sale. Raymer’s toys are exceedingly rare, with only 56 documented pieces in existence. This example comes from the collection of a gay gentleman who had no kids and owned no other toys but had an extensive Raymer art collection, including rare works such as the nude sculpture addressed to Cliff Raven, which is also available for sale. The collectior was supposedly a close friend to Raymer, which would explain him having one of his toys.
This rocking horse is constructed of painted wood with jointed legs and mounted on red-painted rockers. The body features a hand-carved head with a distinctive expressive face, large round eyes, and a bridle with applied metal elements. The saddle is painted in red, secured with leather straps and metal fittings. A natural fiber tail extends from the rear, complementing the stylized folk art form. The surface shows intentional distressing, consistent with Raymer’s known aesthetic.
Raymer’s toys were often built using salvaged materials, incorporating elements of woodworking and metalwork seen in his broader artistic practice. His creations are highly sought after for their craftsmanship and rarity, particularly among collectors of American folk art. The whimsical yet sophisticated design of this rocking horse aligns with the known characteristics of his work. Since this work is not signed, I can not say for certain that this work is by Lester Raymer, but I personally believe the work to be correct.
