Child's Albany Cutter Sleigh, circa 1873

Sledding became a popular winter activity for children during the 19th century. The most elaborate children's sleds were smaller versions of full-sized horse-drawn sleighs of the period. Though commercially produced sleds became widely available, this elaborate sleigh was built by Stephen Isch of Buffalo, New York, for his son, Rudolph about 1873. It was designed to be pulled by a dog.