An Amusing Large Vintage Fairground Sea Lion Ride

Origin: English
Period: Mid Twentieth Century
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1950-60
Length: 44 inches
Height: 41 inches (with ball)
Width: 26 inches (with feet)

Characterized by external ear-flaps, long fore-flippers, the ability to walk on all fours, and short thick hair, this sea lion is quite different from most mainly in that he’s been hand painted, doesn’t mind you sitting on him, and has lived for at least half a century already.

This archetypal circus animal clown performs behaviors such as throwing and catching balls on its nose with ease, and, evocative of the magic of the fairground, this chap is in vintage condition. In other words his paint has flaked and chipped off the hard plastic body in places and will continue to do so unless otherwise treated. Elsewhere, his handles are sturdy and the ball with fixing rod is removable; there is also one crack present to the left side of the face.

Sea Lions are usually found from the sub-arctic to tropical waters of the global ocean in both the northern and southern hemispheres; however you are more than likely to find this specimen loitering around the candyfloss or hot dog stands throughout the United Kingdom.

Whether using this loveable guy as intended (he doesn’t charge a fee to sit on him), as a prop, an original decorative effect or simply as a conversation piece, the possibilities are endless. There is only one rule; make sure you both have fun.