In Search of Toys . . . 2014

Christmas 2013 is behind us, and it appears that I'm now focusing on Easter 2014, but that's not what was on my mind when I found this rabbit pull toy.  I had never seen an example like this, but from the construction I knew it was made in the Thuringia area of Germany, ca. 1850-1860.  What makes this piece even more special are the ears inserted in the back of the head so that, when pulled, the ears nod up and down.  It is molded as one piece and is 12 inches long.

The underside is the interesting part to me.  There are four little wooden balls on which the rabbit moves when pulled.  I have one other toy constructed like this, but wooden wheels are used, not wooden balls.   Just when you thought you've seen it all, something like this pops up.    No matter what one collects, that's what makes collecting fun are finding the pieces you've never seen before . . . and I'm certain you collectors know exactly what I'm talking about.