Antique lap robe, sleigh blanket by Chase, fox hunting, horses, dogs

Antiques : Horse Lap Robe

 

When I spotted this, it was one of those "OH WOW" moments, and I knew I had to have it. Made by the Chase company, with the original label, this wonderful old carriage blanket is made of horse hair and wool and features a truly spectacular scene of foxhunting. Two scarlet coated hunters leap a brush fence on their gorgeous horses. A Fox Hound dog leads the way, and a darling Beagle puppy tries to make it over as well. The black horse has his original glass eye and the lap robe measures 56" by 53". At some point, a piece of fabric has been hand basted on the back, obviously to allow this stellar textile to be hung on a wall. The Chase label is under this piece of fabric, which could easily be removed if you so desired. These old lap robes were meant to keep the chill off in the horse and buggy days, and this one dates to the early part of the twentieth century, 1900 or so. There is some wear as you can see, by the stifle on the hind leg of the black horse, a spot about 2" by 2", but honestly, this was such a glorious image, I still couldn't pass it up and I don't find it distracting. What a stunning statement it would be, hung from a staircase or on a wall.

Item ID: L 208