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Vintage Alexander of Heather Hills handcrafted wooden Candle Powered Carousel – Soldier Band, Item #4185, made in La Habra, California.
Dating to approximately the early 1980s, circa 1980–1985, this charming Christmas carousel features a traditional wooden pyramid-style structure with a rotating center scene of hand-painted toy soldier musicians surrounded by snow-covered bottle-brush Christmas trees. A miniature wreath with red bow decorates the front, and the large wooden fan assembly sits above the carousel.
According to the original instructions, the carousel is powered by the rising heat from votive candles placed around the base. The heat creates an updraft that turns the wooden fan and causes the center carousel to rotate. Candles are not included.
This example is especially nice for a collector because it includes:
• Original Alexander of Heather Hills hanging tag
• Original illustrated Alexander of Heather Hills brochure
• Original operating and care instruction sheet
• Original box labeled “Candle Powered Carousel – Soldier Band – Item #4185”
• Wooden fan/blade assembly
• Painted soldier band figures
• Snow-covered bottle-brush trees and decorative elements
The original company literature states that these carousels were handcrafted by the Alexander family, whose workshop was staffed by four generations of the family and continued a tradition of fine woodworking and creative decorations in America.
Maker: Alexander of Heather Hills, Inc.
Model: Soldier Band
Item #: 4185
Era: Early 1980s, approximately 1980–1985
Made in: La Habra, California, USA
Material: Wood with painted figures and miniature bottle-brush trees
Theme: Christmas / Toy Soldiers / Marching Band
Operation: Candle-powered, heat-driven rotating carousel
Measures approximately 12 inches tall to the top of the fan assembly, as shown in the measurement photos. The wooden fan blades extend considerably wider when assembled.
Vintage condition with age-related wear to the wood, finish, decorations, paperwork and box. The original paper materials show creasing, wrinkling and other age-related wear. Please see all photos for the exact condition and contents included.
A wonderful and unusual piece of vintage American-made Christmas décor, made even more collectible by the original identified box, paperwork and Alexander family hang tag.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the description and show the exact item you will receive. I do my best to photograph any noticeable flaws. Colors may vary slightly between screens, and photos may not accurately convey size, so please refer to the measurements provided.
All items are sold as-is. I’m a collector and lover of vintage—not a store—and I want your purchase to arrive safely. Items are packed with care using recycled packing materials whenever possible. Fragile items are securely wrapped and cushioned for shipping.
I ship within 3 business days and will combine shipping on multiple purchases whenever possible. If you need your item shipped sooner, please contact me. If there is ever a problem with your purchase, please contact me and give me the opportunity to make it right. Additional photos are always available upon request.
Please check my response and buy with confidence.
