Dala Horse Value Guide

The Dala horse is a premier symbol of Swedish folk art, originating from the village of Nusnäs in the Dalarna province. These mid-century examples represent a period when the traditional 'kurbits' painting style gained global fame following the 1939 New York World's Fair.

What affects the value of Dala Horse?

• Condition of the original kurbits decorative painting, with minimal chipping commanding higher prices.
• Size of the figurine, as larger hand-carved specimens are generally more valuable.
• Presence of original maker's stickers or stamps from the Dalarna region.
• Rarity of the base color, with traditional red being common and specific vintage blue or natural finishes varying in demand.

How to Identify Dala Horse?

• Look for the distinctive 'kurbits' floral patterns hand-painted on a bright red, blue, or white base.
• Verify the material is solid carved wood, often showing slight irregularities from hand-tooling.
• Check for authentic labels from makers like Grannas Olsson or Nils Olsson located in Nusnäs, Sweden.
• Examine the patina of the paint, which should show age-appropriate wear consistent with the 1950-1970 era.

History of Dala Horse

The Dala horse originated in the Swedish province of Dalarna, specifically in the small village of Nusn äs, during the 17th century. Initially, these wooden horses were carved by lumberjacks in the long winter evenings as toys for their children. Over time, they evolved into a significant symbol of Swedish folk art and culture, often painted in bright colors with intricate patterns, which became known as 'kurbits' painting. The Dala horse gained international recognition at the 1939 New York World's Fair, becoming an iconic representation of Sweden.