MAGNIFICENT FULL-SIZE TRANSPORTATION-THEMED CAROUSEL

Magnificent full-size transportation-themed carousel manufactured by Wilhelm Hennecke of Germany in 1962 and first put into operation in 1963. Originally commissioned for the famous annual Christmas Market of Heidelberg, Germany. It went on to be featured at several other Christmas Markets until going into climatized storage, where it was discovered by a private collector. It is an amazing find and considered to be one of the finest examples in the world. The craftsmanship of the era is exemplified in this fully functional piece, which is beautifully constructed with 23 hand-built transportation-related vehicles. Stunning colors and design make this truly a piece of magnificent mechanical art. The vehicles are handmade of wood with impressive leather interiors, complete with working headlights and taillights. Vehicles include a period Mercedes-Benz fire truck with hand-carved fireman on a ladder, a cable car with leather interior and a large two-tone Opel convertible. Other cars include a wonderful Mercedes 190, a Polizei (Police) squad car and two Flitzers (means "fast car" in German). There are also four Vespa-style scooters and three Kano Manufacturing bicycles, two-small antique farm tractors, a large John Deere 100 Farm tractor and six Sachs 50 CC motorcycles (real motorcycles with replacement wooden tanks). The condition of the vehicles is mostly original, with a few having been restored. Beautifully illuminated with over 1,500 6-watt light bulbs, and adorned at the top by artwork from the famous German children"s book "Summer in the Enchanted Forest," illustrated by Fritz Baumgarten. One of the finest examples in the world and selling at NO RESERVE! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy. Runs and lights beautifully. Size: 32" in diameter, 16" in height.