Articulated children’s horse tricycles were based on a patent granted to Frederick Gideon Winnek in 1920. This invention combined a rocking movement with forward motivation. There are few records of the Dandy Dobbin tricycle, but I managed to find an advertisement for it in a New York newspaper dated 1926, so I have based its age on that. The transfer (decal) on the seat shows its maker or supplier as ‘Enterprise Syndicate Incorporated’ of New York.
There were small manufacturers and individual patentees all over the USA. They generally met at local and national toy fairs. The larger trade fairs gave them an opportunity to meet buyers from US department stores and catalogue sales companies, as well as those from abroad. The annual National Toy Fair in New York was one of the most important events in the world of children’s toys, and companies would be formed with a New York address specifically to market their products here. The retailer of the Dandy Dobbin was ‘Enterprise Syndicate Incorporated’ which suggests a group of individuals who have combined to market toys in this way. The Dandy Dobbin is mentioned in the British 1926/1927 Lines Bros (Tri-ang) catalogue, so it would appear that the strategy mentioned above was successful.
I’m not sure if this Dandy Dobbin has original paint or is an older restoration. He is fully functional and in good condition though could do with a squirt of lubrication.
View in the Online Bicycle Museum
BICYCLE COLLECTORS CURATED ONLINE AUCTION, Summer 2026
This Timed Auction is live. Highest bid wins.
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