[Iowa Carver]

My Dad is back in town this weekend and he brought me a gift. This little horse was carved by my Great Uncle many many years ago. He had carved a lot of Christmas toys when he had a young family and things were lean. This little horse is part of a farm set that he carved for his children. My Dad said that there was a whole team of horses and a farm wagon that went with it. He had cows and chickens, farmers etc. He carved many toys for them in the early years. Most had gotten lost over the years but this was in a box when he died and was marked for my dad. My Dad wanted me to have it since I was a carver. My Dad remembers playing with those toys. One of the front legs is broken now and an ear is knocked off but I think it is a neat little carving and I wouldn't dream of trying to put a new leg on. It appears to be carved from pine but it is pretty brown from age, much darker than the photos suggest. Just thought you might get a kick out of it.

Corey

[Ron T]

Hi Corey,

I agree with you, I'd keep it exactly as is. How incredible to be able to hold in your hands something carved by the hands of your grandfather. I think that is the point of handing things down for posterity. Too bad the others were lost.

[Paul_Guraedy]

I have several carvings that were either carved by Diana's relatives or by a family friend. None compare with my carvings, they all could be "improved" by a little carving or painting/repainting. I don't judge them and I certainly would not touch them.

They are gone now (and I only met one of them); but, I feel a comradery with these carver's that requires me to keep their work on display in my shop.

You have a treasure in that carving.

[Joy]

How incredibly special to hold a piece of love and family history in your hands. Enjoy and thanks for sharing....it brightened my morning.

[sccarnes]

that is what i think we all strive for, 100 years from now my name will be forgotten, but pray someone still has one of my carvings, as i have one of my great grandfather, as they say "priceless"
thanks for posting
Sam

[tnartist05]

Leave it as is Corey and enjoy the beauty of it just knowing your father and grandfather enjoyed it before you. Its very neat!

Forrest

[pallin]

Treasure it!
When I was young, my wife's grandfather made a model of a 20-mule team borax wagon: actually two wagons plus a water wagon, with twenty mules (carved) and all the harnesses, double trees, etc. The wheels had metal rims and the water wagon had the tank rivets simulated with brads. It was beautiful.

The whole rig was about 8 ft. long. When the grandfather died, it went to a brother's basement and disappeared.

[Sharon of the Dell]

That's so special. My dad(WWII sailor) made my sister and I battle ships(bathtub toys) out of wood when we were little.We had so much fun with them. I still have them and treasure them.