Bidspirit auction | Hippodrome Chariot

Hippodrome Chariot - Made by Ives, Blakeslee & Company. Bridgeport, Ct. - Ca. 1880. From the collection of Louis Hertz. If there has ever been any question as to why Ives, Blakeslee is looked upon as the preeminent maker of toys in the late 19th century, then let this Hippodrome Chariot firmly dispel the reservations of naysayers once and for all. It's positively an amazing mechanical wonderment. The direct inspiration for this great toy may arise from Lee Wallace's novel Ben-Hur, which was published in November 1880. It's intriguing that Ives has chosen a female charioteer rather than the more obvious choice of a male competitor. A team of vividly painted horses gallop at a feverish pace to win the race. The chariot's body is appealingly flanked by a pair of flat stamped brass equestrians with lances. The female figure is clad in a flowing red garment and she wears a feathered hat. This incredible toy was discovered by Louis Hertz in the 1940's and remained in his collection until it was sold at Lloyd Ralston Auctions in 1980. Condition: Pristine Plus Condition.