Grand Wood Horses - Page 1
Large Horses
Grand Wood horses and animals are hand carved pieces that were produced from 1939 until the early 1980's. Grand Wood Carving was based in Chicago. Most were carved from South American Mahogany, although some were made from pine and other woods. Some were painted or stained different colors, but most are a rich mahogany color. Several different sizes were produced. Most of the horses are around 5 inches, but they also produced an 8 inch line, and a few larger horses.
Many of the horses they produced are famous racehorses. The 8 inch Whirlaway produced in the 40's, may look familar to all you Breyer collectors. Breyer apparently copied it to make their racehorse. Some horses were produced on a base with a brass nameplate telling you who the horse was, but most are unmarked. Originally, they were sold with a band around their belly that identifed who the horse was. These bands are usually lost so it's rare to find one with a band. Some were sold with hangtags.
Generally, Grand Wood horses aren't as realistic as Breyer or Hagen Renaker horses. They are American Folk Art horses and should be considered as Folk Art, not an attempt to produce a realistic horse, although some are truly stunning. These horses were quite expensive when new, but seem to be much more reasonably priced now. I have a 1982 price list that lists their prices between $30 for a colt to $175 for the large Morgan. Grand Wood also made other animals, a Golfer and a Mariner (Ship's Captain), according to this price list.
I'm afraid I don't know much else about Grand Wood. I would love to hear from anyone who knows more info or has any brochures or price lists. I am always looking for any horse or animals, that I don't have pictured here also.
This page is dedicated to Laura Scarsdale who loved these horses so much.
Large Horses
Grand Wood 9 1/2 Inch Percheron
Grand Wood 8 1/2 Inch Belgian
Grand Wood Arabian Witez 2
Grand Wood Unknown Arabian
Grand Wood Arabian Mare & Foal
Grand Wood Famous Racehorse Man O' War
1920 Preakness and Belmont Winner
Also comes mounted on a base with a name plaque
Grand Wood Famous Racehorse War Admiral
1937 Triple Crown Winner
Grand Wood Famous Racehorse Whirlaway
1941 Triple Crown Winner
Breyer apparently copied this horse to make their racehorse
Grand Wood Famous Racehorse Armed
Also comes mounted on a base with Horse of the Year 1947 plaque
Grand Wood Famous Racehorse Swaps
1955 Kentucky Derby Winner
Grand Wood Saddle Horse
Mahogany and Pine versions
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