Wood chairs and horse toy each could fetch $500

John Sikorski
·2 min read
The basic form of this chair is known as X-shape, which had its beginning in medieval Italy. The type of chair is called Savonarola.
The basic form of this chair is known as X-shape, which had its beginning in medieval Italy. The type of chair is called Savonarola.

Q: We have these unusual wood chairs that seem to be hand-carved and show no fasteners. We recently acquired them and were wondering if you had any insight about them. We purchased them from a private party and love them for their uniqueness. Thank you. — K.G., Internet

A: The basic form of your chair is known as X-shape, which had its beginning in medieval Italy. The type of chair is called Savonarola. The name is connected to Girolamo Savonarola, 1452-98, a historical Italian Renaissance reformer. In the 19th century Savonarola was used as a trade name for X-shape chairs. They were produced in large quantities by numerous entities in a variety of Renaissance-style relief and figural carving.

Dollar values are based on quality, condition and age. The two you have are of commercial-grade quality and made well into the 20th century. Potential dollar value is in the $500 range for the two, perhaps more on a lucky day.

Q: My parents bought me a Mobo the Horse about 60 years ago at Jordan Marsh. It is approximately 27 inches long, 30 inches tall and 13 inches wide. It is a mechanical horse that, when you step on the pedals, rises up and moves forward on the wheels. It is marked “Mobo the Horse, Made in England.” It is in remarkably good condition considering I used it quite a bit when I was young. It is taking up a great deal of room, and I am interested in selling it. Does anyone collect these? Does it have any value, or should I just donate it? — M.B., Internet

A: Although there is no specific collector interest in Mobo the Horse, they are regularly bought and sold in the vintage toy category. I suspect a lot of our readers remember when they discovered the magical sensation as they mounted their Mobo steel pedal ride horse when they pushed down on the stirrups and released them as the horse actually moved forward — wow, what a sensation for a youngster. Mobo the Horse was manufactured by D. Sebel & Company in England from 1947 to 1972.

It is unusual to find a Mobo horse in the condition you describe your horse is in. I think your Mobo horse would sell in the $250 to $500 range, perhaps more with some luck. There is a history of Mobo the Horse available online hosted by D & S Pedal Car Restorations.

— John Sikorski, with more than 35 years of experience, is an Ocala-based antiques advisor, consultant and broker. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Wood chairs and horse toy each could fetch $500