The historical artifact in question is a World War I Wooden Training Horse, specifically designed to aid in the instruction of new cavalry recruits. This significant piece of military memorabilia, crafted from carved pine and mounted on a robust pine base, features steel rods that allow for a rocking motion, simulating the movements of a real horse during training exercises. While the main body of the horse is original, the head appears to be a later, sympathetic replacement and is missing one ear. The training horse bears the marks of its service, with general knocks, bumps, and bruises consistent with its age and historical use, measuring 204 cm in height and 208 cm in length.
Historical Significance and Provenance
This training horse carries a rich provenance, having been passed down through a family for over 65 years. It was previously on loan and displayed at the Devizes Museum in Wiltshire for several decades, where it was a popular exhibit. It is highly probable that this training horse originated from Wiltshire and was utilized by either the Wiltshire Yeomanry or the Netheravon Cavalry School, operational between 1904 and 1922. Following its service in World War I, the horse was retired and eventually acquired by the vendor’s grandfather from a local storage unit.
Acquiring a Piece of History: Bidding and Payment at Dominic Winter Auctioneers
Dominic Winter Auctioneers offers several methods for prospective buyers to acquire items, including this unique WWI training horse. Bidders can participate in person at the auction, allowing for immediate removal of purchased lots upon payment via credit/debit card, guaranteed check, or cash.
For those unable to attend in person, online bidding is available. Registration is required to bid live on Dominic Winter’s website (dominicwinter.co.uk) or through third-party platforms such as the-saleroom.com and invaluable.com. Please note that successful online bids will be invoiced the day after the auction, and a buyer’s premium applies, varying by platform (3% + VAT on Dominic Winter and Invaluable.com, or 4.95% + VAT on the-saleroom.com).
Alternatively, interested parties can place a commission bid, also known as an ‘absentee bid’. Our staff will bid on your behalf, aiming to secure the lot at the lowest possible price, within your specified limits. Commission bids can be submitted via post, fax, or email, with full contact details required.
Telephone bids can also be arranged by contacting the auctioneer’s office. A staff member will call you shortly before your chosen lot comes up for auction to execute your bid. This service is generally available for lots with an estimated pre-sale value of £300 or more.
Conditions of Sale and Business
Dominic Winter (Auctioneers) Ltd operates as an agent for the seller. The buyer agrees to the highest bid being the sale price. The auctioneer reserves the right to settle any disputes, determine bidding increments, or withdraw lots. A buyer’s premium of 22% (or 26.4% for asterisked lots) is added to the hammer price. Buyers must provide their name, address, and proof of identity, and pay the total sum due immediately after the auction. Lots must be collected within five working days of the auction, at the buyer’s expense. Failure to pay or collect may result in the resale of the lot, with the defaulting buyer liable for any shortfall. The auctioneer may charge storage fees for lots not collected within the stipulated timeframe.
Sellers are entitled to place a reserve on lots, and the auctioneer may bid on their behalf. If a lot fails to sell, the seller must arrange for its re-offering or collection; otherwise, the auctioneer may sell it without reserve. Representations made in catalogues regarding authenticity, condition, etc., are statements of opinion, and buyers are encouraged to exercise their own judgment. Express or implied warranties are hereby excluded.
A buyer may reject a lot if it is proven to be a deliberate forgery within fourteen days of the sale, provided it is returned in the same condition and the buyer can satisfy the auctioneer of its fraudulent nature. This condition is limited to the purchase price. Lots can be removed during the sale upon full settlement. Items delivered to the auctioneer’s premises are presumed for sale by auction unless otherwise stated. The auctioneer reserves the right to remove items deemed to have no saleable value.
All goods in the auctioneer’s custody are insured against fire, burglary, water damage, and accidental breakage, up to the hammer price or estimated value. The auctioneer is not responsible for uninsured goods. Liability is limited to the insurance cover. Proceeds from sales are remitted to the seller within thirty days of the auction, provided the buyer has paid in full. If the seller withdraws instructions, a fee may be charged. Buyers are advised that defects mentioned in the catalogue or announced at the sale are not grounds for rejection.
Bidding, Payment, and Shipping Procedures
Buyer’s Premium: A 22% buyer’s premium is standard, with a 26.4% premium applied to asterisked lots, which include items subject to VAT under the Auctioneer’s Margin Scheme. Items like books and unframed maps are zero-rated.
Live Auction Charges: Additional commissions apply for live online bidding: 3% + VAT via Dominic Winter’s website or Invaluable.com, and 4.95% + VAT via the-saleroom.com.
Payment: UK buyers can pay via direct bank transfer, cash, or cheque (allow 5 working days for clearance). Credit/debit card payments are accepted in person with valid ID, but not typically by phone. Overseas buyers must pay by direct bank transfer; all bank charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
In-House Packing and Shipping: Dominic Winter offers an in-house shipping service with DHL for straightforward items. For larger, fragile, or more complex items, buyers must arrange shipping through recommended third-party providers. Invoices must be settled in full before third-party collection. Buyers are responsible for coordinating their own shipping.
Third-Party Shippers: Contact details for various recommended shippers specializing in furniture, artwork, and general items are provided, including Mailboxes Etc., Pack and Send, Simon Hall Freight, Alban Shipping, Jentel Packing, and Aardvark Art Services.
UK Shipping: Partnering with DHL Express, costs are based on purchase value, with a minimum charge for parcels up to £500. Buyers receive DHL notifications for tracking and delivery amendments. Highlands and Islands may incur higher costs.
Overseas Shipping: DHL Express is used for international shipments. Quotes can be provided, though pre-sale quotes are approximate. Royal Mail International Signed-For Service is available for items under £250. Buyers are responsible for any import duties and taxes in their destination country.
Export Licences and CITES Permits: Buyers are responsible for ensuring lawful export and import. Shippers can assist with applications, and Dominic Winter can provide assistance with export licences for a fee.
Sustainability: Dominic Winter reuses packaging materials and partners with DHL Express’s GoGreen Plus service, utilizing sustainable aviation fuel to minimize its carbon footprint.
