Antiques Roadshow Appraises Rare Salesman's Model Carousel Horse

1925 Philadelphia Toboggan Company piece found in trash by amusement park worker fetches $4,000-$6,000 estimate

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:18am

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An extreme close-up photograph showcasing the intricate, hand-carved wooden details and luxurious leather saddle of a salesman's model carousel horse, using dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to capture the glittering, high-end glamour of this rare amusement park collectible.A rare salesman's model carousel horse from the 1920s, discovered in a trash pile, offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship and marketing of America's golden age of amusement parks.Cleveland Today

A guest on Antiques Roadshow presented a salesman's model carousel horse from the 1920s that was discovered by their great-grandfather, a master carpenter at the now-closed Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland. The appraiser identified the piece as being made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, a renowned manufacturer of carousels and roller coasters, and valued the detailed, lifelike wooden figure at $4,000 to $6,000 at auction, with an $8,000 insurance valuation.

Why it matters

Salesman's models from major amusement ride manufacturers like Philadelphia Toboggan Company are highly sought after by collectors, as they provide a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship and marketing techniques used to promote full-size carousel horses and other rides. This particular piece offers a unique connection to Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park, a beloved local landmark that closed in the 1960s.

The details

The guest's great-grandfather, a master carpenter at Euclid Beach Park, found the salesman's model carousel horse in the trash as he was leaving work in the 1930s or 1940s. The 1920s-era piece was made by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, known for its highly detailed and lifelike carousel figures. The wooden horse features carved muscles, glass eyes, a tooled leather saddle, and even the company's initials 'PTC' carved into the saddle blanket. While the piece has been partially restored, the appraiser noted that the restored areas were not repainted, preserving the item's history.

  • The guest's great-grandfather worked at Euclid Beach Park from the late 1930s to the 1940s.
  • The salesman's model carousel horse was likely produced by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in the 1920s or early 1930s.

The players

Euclid Beach Park

A now-closed amusement park on the east side of Cleveland where the guest's great-grandfather worked as a master carpenter.

Philadelphia Toboggan Company

A company that specialized in the production of carousels and roller coasters, known for their detailed and lifelike figures.

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What they’re saying

“It's from Philadelphia Toboggan Company. They made small ones to sell, and that's what they would bring to sell the carousel.”

— Guest

“Carousel horses are quite collectible. But they're very large. Something like this, being a small version of that, as a salesman model... we think would likely appeal more so to collectors than a full-size horse.”

— Appraiser

What’s next

The guest may consider consigning the salesman's model carousel horse to an auction house specializing in antiques and collectibles to maximize its sale value.

The takeaway

This rare find highlights the enduring appeal of amusement park memorabilia, especially from iconic regional destinations like Euclid Beach Park. The detailed craftsmanship and historical connection make the salesman's model carousel horse a valuable collector's item, showcasing the rich history and craftsmanship of the golden age of American carnivals and amusement parks.