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Historic toy 'once owned by Queen Victoria' being sold

Sophie ParkerWiltshire
Woolley and Wallis A view of the galloping gig: it is a small wicker seat for a child, with a bar behind it to act as a pushchair. Two large wheels at the back - like carriage wheels with spokes - and one small one at the front. Above the front wheel are two small wooden horses painted dapple grey, both with leather saddles and bridles. They are designed to move up and down as the chair moves. Long reins from the horses go up to the seat so the child can hold themWoolley and Wallis
The pushchair is called the galloping gig as the horses move up and down when it is pushed

A historic pushchair, believed to have once belonged to Queen Victoria, is now up for sale.

A spokesperson for Woolley and Wallis auctions in Salisbury, Wiltshire, said the item was once the property of the Royal Family and could sell for up to £1,800.

Called the galloping gig, Prince Albert, later George VI, is pictured sitting in the toy in the 1890s as a small child.

Mark Yuan-Richards, furniture expert and auctioneer, said the galloping gig was purchased in the 1960s from an elderly couple who had worked at Osborne House - Queen Victoria's home on the Isle of Wight.

A photo of the late Queen next to it was seen, but not passed on.

The item was made by toymakers G&J Lines, who were creating toys between the 1880s and the 1930s, and does still work.

Getty Images Prince Albert sits in the galloping gig in an old black and white photo. He is holding the reins and wears a traditional white Victorian garment for children. The gig is like an old pushchair with a seat and in front there are two small wooden horses which move when pushed. The picture has been taken in front of a large set of doors.Getty Images
Prince Albert - later King George VI - was pictured in one in the late 1890s

Mr Yuan-Richards said it has been "very well restored" and would have been an expensive toy at the time.

"We haven't put any young children in it but we have tried and pushed it in the saleroom. The horses do move up and down. It's a real talking point," he added.

"It's an honour to sell it."

The auctioneer is hoping the item will exceed its estimated asking price.

Woolley and Wallis A detailed and elaborate chest of drawers - a honey-coloured wood on feet carved with slight curves down the sides. It has a thick red marble top. There are two wide bottom drawers and three smaller at the top. Carved gold decoration is down the legs and sides. The handles are very elaborate and also in gold. Woolley and Wallis
This French furniture piece is from a house in Wiltshire and is expected to fetch £4,000-£6,000 at auction

The galloping gig is being sold as part of an auction of antique furniture, clocks and art on Wednesday and Thursday, which also includes a piece by a maker who created furniture for French nobility.

The French commode was type of chest of drawers, with this one made Pierre Roussel (1723–1782) and kept in the historic Littlecote House in Wiltshire for some time. It has an estimate asking price of £4,000 to £6,000.

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