Angel chimes

The Swedish sound of Christmas? Angel chimes are a form of Christmas decoration popular in Europe and North America. Angel chimes have candle holders at the base which provide heat which turns a turbine at the top, which powers a series of trumpet-holding angel figures which "fly" around in a circle, striking bells beneath them.

The form patented in 1905.
The earliest known patent for an angel chime was filed by Walter Stock of the German toy firm Adrian & Stock.

In Sweden
Christmas angel chimes are popularly known as Änglaspel (angel carillon). After the war, Swedish-made chimes became popular in both Europe and North America. These brought a simpler aesthetic in brass.

Germany: Engelsgeläut
France: Le Carillon Des Anges
Finland: Enkelikello
Norway: Englespel
Denmark: Engle Spil (Angel Bells)

In Asia
More recently, angel chimes manufactured in China or Japan have come to dominate the export market. The design now includes spinning candles.

Original Swedish design since 1948
Manufacturer: Aras Metal, Istanbul, Turkey
Brass-plated steel.
Model No 9011B

Sound recordist: Torsten Nilsson
Photographer: Torsten Nilsson
Video recordist: Torsten Nilsson