Musical Carousels and Merry Go Rounds

Facts Regarding Carousels and Merry-Go-Rounds

Did you know there was a difference? Merry-go-Rounds or Round-a-bouts as they are called in the United Kingdom, revolve Clock-wise as they do in the rest of Europe. Here in the U.S.A. our carousels (etymological derivatives: French carrousel and Italian garosello) turn counter-clockwise.

In either case, they charm their riders by revolving (one way or the other) about a center housing, boasting a platform endowed with graceful galloping horses and perhaps strolling lions, tigers, bears, zebras or even pigs. (Read more: continued below images).

The Seraphine by Carousels of Distinction in Blue $284.95
Sunshine Carousel with Flowers by Musicbox Kingdom$198.00
Musical Carousel Horse - draped in pink$79.95
Porcelain Merry-Go-Round$161.95
Maestro by Carousels of Distinction Glitter Globe$59.50
Revolving Miniature Enamel Bejeweled Musical Carousel (small)$59.95
Carousel Beige and Gold Three Horse Music Box$59.50
Large Musical Carousel Horse with Tassels$289.50
Carousel Lady Horse$36.50
Carousel Horse on Musical Cart$36.50
Carousel Rocking Horse with Flowers$32.50
Nursery Carousel in Blue and Red (Large Wooden)$41.50
Nursery Carousel in Two Tone Blue$25.50
Nursery Carousel in Red and Green Colors$25.50
Wooden Carousel in White and Blue$25.50
Wooden Carousel in White and Pink$25.90
Nursery Carousel in Gray, Purple and Green$23.50
Nursery Carousel in White and Blue$23.50
Deluxe Christmas Carousel$389.50$295.00
Acrylic Carousel 3 Horses by Roman$89.00
Acrylic Carousel House by Musicbox Kingdom$98.50
Mini Musical Carousel Egg with single horse (in Pink or Blue$69.50

Who doesn’t remember racing to the mount that would rise and fall to the calliope music. If that carousel had brass rings you tried to capture a mount from where you might reach a ring. If you were an experienced horse-person, you mounted from the near side (horse’s left) of your steed. Some of the animals were stationary as were some benches and later, an occasional mini auto or airplane. Those were great for the parents with babies but not for the older child.

During the years other names included dobbies, galloper, jumper, horseabout and flying horses. The first rides were made for adults.

The Flying Horses Carousel is the oldest operating platform carousel in America. Located in the historic resort community of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on Martha's Vineyard, the carousel was apparently first located in New York City before being moved in 1884.

The oldest carousel in the world is located at Wilhelmsbad Park in Hanau, Germany. It was completed in 1780 and predates any in the United States by 100 years. More information regarding its restoration can be found at http://carousels.org/psp/Hanau/

The earliest carousels, called dobbies, were operated manually by an operator or by live ponies. We hope that they were not abused as these live animals were tethered to horizontal posts emanating from a mid-point which lead them in a circular path.

The first fair rides appeared in 6th century. They originated in ancient Byzantium where people-occupied baskets were tied to a center pole and spun. The carousels that we know today evolved from jousting games of 12th century Europe and Asia. Knights of that time would ride in a circle practicing their skills.

The word “carousel” was first used to describe a game played by Arabian and Turkish horsemen in the 12th century. The game, which involved tossing a clay ball filled with perfume between riders, was played with such seriousness that the Italian crusaders who first observed the game called it a “little war” or “garosello (carousello in Spanish).” The French word "carousel" means "a tilting match." They most likely made their first carousels in the 17th century to be used for practicing a game they enjoyed playing.

The first steam-powered mechanical roundabout, invented by Thomas Bradshaw, appeared at the Aylsham Fair in about 1861. www.historyofcarousels.com/carousel-history/who-invented-carousels/

Browse our selection of exquisite carousel and merry-go-round music boxes above!

Sources which contain more complete information:
http://entertainmentdesigner.com/history-of-theme-parks/a-circular-story-the-history-of-the-carousel/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carousel