Antique carousel animals
are a unique part of American History. They are a very refined type of commercial
art, produced in the USA from the 1880s through the 1920s.
Hand carved
from laminated pieces of wood, painted with both lead-based and japan paints,
leafed with metal leaf and decorated with faceted glass jewels and decorative
scrollwork, the animals beckoned to people to pay a nickel to ride on the
merry-go-round.
More than 2,000 carousels were in operation in the golden age of
carousels; sadly, many were destroyed by fire, flood, or just sheer negligence. Today, many
animals from disbanded carousels are sold individually; they are considered
very desirable collectibles.
Restoration of a historic
object is not to be taken lightly; incorrect methods or materials
can decrease the value of a piece dramatically. Hawk's Eye Studio restores and
paints these animals with precision and historical accuracy. The following
pages illustrate some of the steps involved - and the finished pieces.
Please wander around through our gallery and enjoy the scenery!
Page 1: Daniel Muller Indian Pony
Page 2: Basket case Dentzel Restoration
Page 3: In the studio with the artist
Page 4: Other Muller Animals
Page 5: Menagerie Animals
Page 6: Gustav Dentzel Horses
Page 7: Marcus Illions Horses
Page 8: Various Horses
Page 9: Muller Armored Horse
Page 10: Band Organs and Trim
Page 11: Illions Chariot Side
Page 12: Illions Painting Step-by-Step
Page 13: Dentzel and Looff Tigers
Page 14: Custom New Wooden Animals - Tim Racer
Page 15: Custom New Wooden Animals - Ed Roth
Page 16: Contact Us!