I've prepared this guide to help you make informed decisions when contemplating the purchase of a wooden carousel animal. As with most popular items, carousel figures are often reproduced, synthetically aged to give them an antique appearance and then sold to unsuspecting buyers as antiques. Armed with the facts below, you may be able to avoid getting stuck with a very high priced piece of fire wood. If, after reading the following information you still have questions about a particular piece, please send us a photograph of the item in question and we'll be more than happy to identify it for you at no charge. This made them hollow which, in turn, minimized the weight of the animal.
Authentic pieces have a very smooth, refined finish.
Authentic wooden carousel figures do not have pole holes drilled through their saddles. An authentic piece has the hole positioned in front of the saddle. Authentic wooden carousel figures do not have fancy trappings on both sides of the animal. The statement above applies mainly to American carved figures. Some modern-day restoration artists and carvers will, however sign and date their work.