Be sure to consult our Buyer's Guide & Fakes Database before purchasing a carousel figure. Each day, more and more knock-offs come on the market. Some look old but looks can be deceiving. Become an informed buyer.
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Miniature Carousel Builders Corner
This month we are featuring a prolific carousel builder and wood carver. Ken Buser, of Pennsylvania, a charter member of the Miniature Carousel Builders, has built eleven miniature carousels since he began in 1993. The most recent carousel, featured here, was built in 2002 and took just 10 weeks to construct.
When he isn't building a carousel Ken is busy carving carousel animals. In 2000, Ken carved 1" scale (5") authentic replicas of six animals (rooster, dog, zebra, lion, tiger, and horse) from the Rocky Spring Carousel. His carvings were used to make molds to reproduce the animals for a fund raising project to purchase and return the Carousel to Lancaster.
Ken says his wife, Jeannette, is his "duster and cleaner-upper." Jeannette submitted a picture of Ken and their 12-year old daughter, Michelle, because she has painted some of the carousel animals for her dad for many years.
Professionalism and precision scaling aptly describe his carousels.
Ken builds carousels for sale--and each one is different. The carousels are available for purchase by contacting him at 717-677-8058, and by e-mail: kbuser@onemain.com .
THE DETAILS:
- Base: 24" Square; 9" Height
- Carousel: 20" Diameter; 15" Height
- Ten sweeps, three rows
- Type: Overhead Cranks
- Lights: 100 clear
- Original Design but resembles the Loof design because of the mirrors
The carousel is mounted on an elevated boxed base which is covered with brown cloth. The bottom trim lattice effect is created by a strip of plastic canvas covering a painted strip. The motor, controls, CD player and speakers are installed inside the base. Victorian newel posts, linked with chain, outline the stairs and base.
This carousel features 26 menagerie hand carved animals, which are authentic miniature replicas of the work of the nineteenth and twentieth century carvers, and two hand carved chariots. Pictures of people and nature scenes from the Victorian period are displayed on the inside panels. The rounding board contains 110 mirrors, topped with crown molding, and flags above the Victorian cut-outs. A ticket booth adds a touch of realism.
Ken has displayed his carousels at the Chambersburg Mall, Knobels Amusement Park, Biglerville Apple Museum, Hershey Park and Valley Mall, Hagerstown, MD.
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