All About Old Toys

 

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Cows

by Judith Lile and Jim Sneed

The Schoenhut Cows
The cow was introduced in 1908 as part of the farm series. Cows were a rare performer in the real circus. Schoenhut cows are found with glass or painted eyes, white with brown spots or overall brown, carved or molded heads. Two head designs are evident. Combinations of these characteristics produced many varieties. There is no reduced size cow. No decal eyes cows have been seen although it certainly seems possible that some were made.


Photo by Judith Lile

Carved head, glass eyes, smiling face

This is an example of a brown glass eyes cow. His head shape differs from the one on the right in that her horn, eye, and mouth are on a line. The mouth smiles, pointing to the eyes, and the nostrils are low and horizontal. Also, there is a deep forehead grove. The horns are leather, the bell metal (brass), and the bell strap leather. Keller Style I - Very Scarce


Photo by Judith Lile

 


Photo by Judith Lile

Carved head, glass eyes, serious face

Cows have leather horns and ears, a twine tail, a brass bell hanging from a leather strap. In this example, the head shape was made with her horn, eye, and nostril on a line. The mouth points to the back of the neck. The forehead grove is shallow. The nostrils are "comma" shaped. Keller Style I - Very Scarce


Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Kramer

The leather in all of these early animals is often found in poor condition. In this example, the neck strap has been replaced.


Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Kramer

 

Photos courtesy of Bertoia Auctions.


Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed

Carved head, painted eyes

This cow's head was made much like the carved head, GE version but its eyes were painted. This appears to be the transitional design. Keller Style II -Scarce


Photo by Jim Sneed from the collection of Jim Sneed


Photo by Judith Lile

Molded head, painted eyes

This cow's head was molded from a composition material. Often a mold line can be seen running down the forehead.
Keller Style III - Scarce


Photo by Judith Lile

 


Photo by Judith Lile

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