Morton Converse Swinging Glider Rocking Horse

American, early 20th century. Converse swinging glider rocking horse fitted on a painted red wooden frame base with metal swing frame for horse. The wood painted horse with carved body, horsehair tail, glass eyes, flared nostrils and open mouth, the back mounted with leather seat, reins, stirrup (missing one) on a red painted wood base. Marked with the "Converse" name plate to the front of the glider. Height 31.25", width 37", depth 13".Note: Morton E. Converse started his business career in Converseville, New Hampshire, manufacturing acids. In 1873, he purchased a nearby mill to make wooden products. Apparently he started making toys there, but soon teamed with Orland Mason of Winchendon to form the Mason & Converse Company, which lasted until 1883. Converse then partnered with his uncle, Alfred C. Converse, and Converse Toy & Woodenware Company was formed. In 1887, the company changed its name to Morton E. Converse & Company. It remained in business until 1934.Converse made a great variety of toys, including Noah's Arks, doll furniture, kiddie riding racers, hobby horses, floor whirligigs, drums, wagon blocks, building blocks, pianos, trunks, ten pins, farm houses, and musical roller chimes. Such a large number of toys were made in Winchendon that it became known as Toy Town.