Q: Several years ago I bought a baby rocker. It’s wood, and has a low seat with a shaped back and foot board on two rockers. There are spindles on the sides, a tray, and a wooden dowel that once held sliding beads. How old is the rocker and how much is it worth?
A: Your child’s rocker is called a “Teetertot Shoofly.” It was made by the Delphos Bending Co. in Delphos, Ohio. The company was founded as the Delphos Hoop Co. in 1900 by Louis Justus to make barrel hoops. Its name was changed to Delphos Bending in 1912 and in 1934 it started making children’s furniture and toys. Shoofly rockers were made from 1945 to 1979. There were different styles; some had a natural finish and others were painted and decorated with animals like ducks. A rocker just like yours appears in their 1950 catalog. Later models had higher arched arms and springs. The Delphos company was sold in 1980 and closed in 1993. The rockers sell from $15 to about $100.
I also have a “Teetertot Shoofly” Rocker. It still has the colored wood beads on it, and is natural colored wood. Was used in my family in the 1950’s and is still being used! Still very sturdy. Thank you for posting your rocker. It’s nice to know it’s history!
I’d venture to say that it would not be considered child safe today.