Allan Herschell Standers

Allan Herschell produced only a handful of standers. It is believed that these figures, which were very large (one example being 7 feet long), were created exclusively for display at trade shows. The horses all have dramatic, wind-swept tails and manes that are significantly longer than the usual Allan Herschell horse (similar to Herschell kiddie horses).

For many years, it was believed only three of these standers existed:

• 'Bugle' horse - nicknamed for the carved bugle hanging from its saddle, also features a revolver and knotted mane, with a tucked head and front right leg raised

• 'Rifle' horse - nicknamed for the carved rifle tucked under the saddle flap, also features a carved canteen, with a tucked head and front left leg raised

• 'Turkish' horse - various tassels and medallions hanging from the saddle with moon motifs and a ruffled blanket, head up with a lolling tongue and front right leg raised

However, a few additional examples have been discovered:

• 'Tassel' horse - similar to the 'Turkish' horse with head up and a lolling tongue, but with a thick tassel towards the front of the blanket, only identified in one photo from a newspaper clipping showing a young woman sitting on it while on display at the National Association of Amusement Parks convention in Chicago, 1929

• 'Girth' horse - similar to the 'rifle' horse with head tucked, front left leg raised, and US on the bridle, but without any carved props seen on the other Herschell standers, saddle flap is slightly folded back and there are two girths, only identified in one photo from a set of promotional images depicting Herschell carvings