Policeman Whirligig

Artist unkown

Early 1800's

Painted Wood

Height: 33 cm

The term ‘whirligig’ comes from ‘gig’ meaning a whipping top, and can be used to describe any spinning or whirling toy.

The top part of the policeman’s helmet has been lost, which led to this object being described for many years as a postman.  The policeman’s arms whirl in the wind as if directing traffic.