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.
|
|
|
 |
Miniature Carousel Builders Corner
This month we bring you a beautiful replica of the 1920 era Rocky Spring Dentzel Carousel created by Bernice Evarts of North Tonawanda, NY, a charter member of the Miniature Carousel Builders. Bernice is a professional (prototype) model maker at General Motors with 28 years experience. She started "making parts" because she had difficulty finding what she needed. Now, she sells carousel parts machined in her shop at home. In addition to complete mechanisms, she makes gears, pulleys, thrust bearing assemblies, crank arms, telescoping units for jumpers, drop rods, fence posts, wooden housings, layout drawings and any other parts made from a design or sketch. Also, Bernice makes resin molds for the carousel ornaments and decorations. Anyone interested in miniature carousel parts and machine services can contact her at epba1230@aol.com; 716-692-7875.
Built in 1994, this is the second of ten carousels built by Bernice. Husband, Ed, a tinsmith and woodworker did the layout and canopy work, The carousel is gear driven, powered by a 12 volt variable speed motor and the carousel turns at approximately 6 rpm. The animals "jump" 5 times per revolution. The 12 volt lights are wired individually and all have removable bulbs in sockets.
THE DETAILS:
- Base: Octagon (8 sided) 44"
- Carousel: 42" Diameter; 24" Height
- Twelve sweeps, three rows
- Type: Overhead Crank
- Replica - 1" scale; 1920 era Rocky Spring Dentzel Carousel
- Lights: Approximately 800 clear
The 32 menagerie animals and two chariots are hand carved from cherry wood. Bernice hand painted the carousel and the animals to match the colors of the Rocky Ridge Carousel. The rounding board contains mirrors, shields, and jesters patterned after the Dentzel original. The top of the picture board features cherubs, mirrors and resin ornaments molded by Bernice. The bottom scenery panels were painted on canvas by Bernice's daugher-in-law, Karen Evarts. Husband, Ed, built the detailed band organ.
Her many skills are demonstrated in the fence made from pieces of metal - machined round - and complimented with brass posts. The elaborate wooden octagon box base is decorated with resin cherubs and scroll designs. The 42 dolls were imported from Germany
Bernice has exhibited her carousels at Dollywood, TN, Knobels Grove Park, Hershey Park, PA, Sandusky, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, Glen Echo Park, MD, Williamsburg, VA, Endicott, NY, Genesee Museum, Mumford, NY, and shopping malls at Chambersburg, PA, Hagerstown, MD, Lancaster, PA, and local Fairs.
|
