An exceptionally scarce early Ives Clockwork Circus Rider, featuring the rare clown dancer figure, fresh from our personal collection and previously part of the Abby Schroeder Collection. Standing an impressive 14.5 inches tall, this all‑original, unrestored clockwork toy represents one of the earliest examples produced after Edward Ives relocated his firm to Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1870, marking a pivotal moment in American toy manufacturing.
Ives marketed this hand‑painted tin horse with several rider variations, but the clown dancer is among the least frequently encountered and highly sought after by advanced collectors. This example remains completely original, retains its period key, and operates smoothly — a testament to the quality of early Ives mechanisms.
Large early Ives clockwork toys seldom surface, especially in such untouched condition. After enjoying this piece in our collection for years, we are now offering this iconic 19th‑century American toy to the open market — a rare opportunity to acquire a museum‑worthy example of Ives’ earliest clockwork artistry.
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