Articulated wooden cyclist toy, Belgium, early 20th century - Lot 118

Articulated wooden cyclist toy, Belgium, early 20th century Hand-carved and hand-painted wooden articulated toy depicting a cyclist on a bicycle with metal wheels. Made in Belgium in the early 20th century, it features articulated limbs and a belt-driven pedaling mechanism that is now incomplete. The original mechanical parts are still present, with the exception of the belt. The figure, with its naive and expressive style, exemplifies the Belgian folk art of the period and reflects the colonial iconography commonly used in toys at the time. With its large size, handcrafted solid wood construction, and animated mechanism, this piece is a rare example of early 20th-century Belgian folk art. Details: Origin: Belgium. Period: circa 1900–1930. Materials: carved and painted solid wood, metal. Dimensions: length 53 cm; height 42 cm. Mechanism: belt-driven pedal mechanism (belt missing). Condition: well-preserved with original paint, patina, and wear consistent with its age; solid structure, mechanism incomplete but still recognizable.