I can't believe my good fortune. I got one at a yard sale on Saturday for only $3! I thought it was in mint working condition, but its not, and I was hoping someone might be able to help.

The entire carousel is there, I have all the pieces and the candles have never even been used. My problem is that the spndle doesn't turn very freely--it hands up a little. And that is when I noticed on the bottom the rod and this little wooden part that slides over. I'm not sure if there is supposed to be something else there or not and this is where I need some help.

THe spindle, it is pointed, sharpened like a nail. I figured the little wooden door/slat thingie slides over and maybe the pin rested on it, so it would spin freely. But the spindle doesn't move up far enough to rest on the little movable wooden piece. I can't figure out what that part is for?? And why is the rod sharp---is that for a reason? Am I missing some part?

Here is a pic of what some of these things look like, and close to what mine looks like also:

I have one, and I paid more than $3! Great find! I have actually been to Germany and seen them made. It is a lot of work. Anyway. The little medal rod on the bottom actually slides into a little hole. It has to be lined up or it will not spin. Do you have a Tuesday Morning near you? They have been selling them as well and it might just be easier for you to go look at one and figure it out.

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No, no Tuesday Morning around here. Not since we moved from AL. I didn't even know they were still in business.

I found a few places online that sell them, but no one has a pic of the underside. I looked at mine again and saw that the little wooden part that slides actually isn't hinged on at all like I originally thought; it actually comes out. There are these 2 raised pieces on either side of the spindle and it appears that a smaller piece of wood can slide in there---maybe there is a special shaped piece that has the hole in it?

I'm still stumped....all I can figure is I'm missing one important piece, LOL.

Who made it? If you want to the manufacture a question, I will be happy to write it for you in German and see what they say. It might be something they can send you. I can tell them it is not spinning and do they have any suggestions of what it could be...

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Danke' Julie, but I don't know who made it. There are no markings on it, but it's so pretty. Even the paddles are stamped each, with different motifs.