"Swedish-Pattern" Angel Chimes Before World War II, most candle chimes were made in Germany of lithographed and/or polished tin, exhibiting — like other tin toys of the period — a wealth of pictorial and/or embossed detail, and many moving parts. World War II killed both the export and German domestic markets for candle chimes and other tin toys for the duration, and for a significant period thereafter. At the same time, it is likely that the Adrian & Stock design patents, originally established in 1905, had by this time expired. Whatever the specific impetus, it is clear that Swedish and other northern European makers arose to meet a continuing post-war demand for candle chimes, which Germany, at least initially, could not fulfill. These later makers took the opportunity to impose their own aesthetic. Post-War chimes involved somewhat fewer pieces than their Pre-War cousins, were simpler in outline and detail, and were generally stamped from unadorned flat brass, rather than embossed lithographed tin. In the postwar years, aggressive marketing of simple, well-designed and carefully-engineered “Swedish pattern” candle chimes through Sears (an example from the 1958 Sears "Wish Book" is shown at right) and other American outlets led to a significant rise in popularity of these toys, despite the simultaneous explosive increase in the sales of electric Christmas lighting. Despite the claim to derive from “a beautiful old Swedish original,” almost every important feature of these modern Swedish pattern angel chimes derives from German models — particularly those of Adrian & Stock — of the early 20th century. The family resemblance is striking, particularly in the “floating angels” with their bell-clappers, and distinctive pompadour hairdos. Below is a sequence of images showing how the Adrian & Stock "Engelsgeläut" evolved into the modern "Angel Chime." From left to right, 1) Adrian & Stock "Engel-Weihnachts-Geläut of 1905; 2) Adrian & Stock "Engelsgeläut" from the 1920s; 3) Swedish-made “Änglaspelet” from the 1940s; Swedish-made "Angel Chime" marketed by US firms in the 1950s and 1960s.     “Änglaspelet” (Angel Carillon) (34.5. x 13.5 cm., base = 13 cm. dia.) This very early post-WWII Swedish “Änglaspelet” forms an interesting link between the Stock designs of the early 20th century and today’s Swedish pattern angel chimes. The box includes directions for assembly in both English and Swedish. Although the plain base design and die-cut angels, as well as the exclusive use of brass, mark it as a Swedish-derived product, most of the key design elements — the spiral “spring” support, the central star, the shape of the bell supports, the tiny stars atop the chimes — are obviously adapted from pre-war Adrian & Stock designs: compare this post-war chime, element by element,  with a “No. 3” Adrian & Stock chime from the 1930s. Holt Howard “Angel-abra” (33 x 14.5 cm., base = 11.5 cm. dia.) Another early transitional design, similar to the modern Swedish pattern in most respects. Holt Howard Associates were based in New York City, but it is not clear whether this chime was produced in the U.S., or imported from overseas. The instructions include a charming (but highly unlikely) story on the origins of the “Angel-abra” chime.     Sudhouse “Weihnachts Glockenspiel” (Christmas Carillon) (33 x 13.5 cm., base = 11 cm. dia.) Elements of the very popular post-war Swedish chimes were sometimes copied (or perhaps “repatriated” is a better word) by German manufacturers. Dating to the 1950s, this “Weihnachts Glockenspiel” by the West German firm of Sudhouse has a unique patented base with a trio of chime-bearing angels, but its superstructure of “floating” cherubs is identical to contemporary Swedish models.    Dansk-Svensk Metalkunst “Engle Spil” (Angel Bells) An interesting variant of the preceding chime, featuring a more-or-less direct imitation of Sudhouse's distinctive trio of chime-bearing angels, but with a unique superstructure of rather bizarre cherubs, and a six-pointed star as a topper. The box indicates that the "Engle Spil" was made in Denmark for export to English speaking countries.   “Jingle Abra” (32 x 17 cm., base = 13 cm. dia.) This imported “Jingle Abra” is by far the most elaborate post-war Swedish pattern chime this collector has seen. Lithographed red stars, a small herd of reindeer, and a flanking pair of trumpeting angels harkens back to the complicated Adrian & Stock designs of the 1930s, a refreshing departure from the relatively austere designs of the post-war era.         "Änglaspelet med Betlehemstjärnen" (Angel Bell with Bethlehem Star) "Baby Klockspel"   Shown with their boxes, here are two early post-WWII variants of a "Swedish-pattern" chime, one full size, and one in miniature. the smaller version requiring birthday candles instead of the standard 4-inch variety.         Avebe “Angel Chimes” (30 x 13.5 cm., base = 12 cm. dia.) Avebe “Giant Angel Chimes” (43 x 20 cm., base = 18 cm. dia.) “Christmas Tree” chimes (27 x 14 cm., base = 12.5 cm. dia.) Shown are some sets of typical angel chimes in this pattern dating from the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to the standard angel chime (left), this particular manufacturer (Avebe of Sweden) also offered a “giant” angel chimes (below left), as well as a design variant which featured a Christmas tree as a base, and a star topper (below right).     Avebe “Angel-Party Chimes” (30 x 13.5 cm., base = 12 cm. dia.) “Angel Chimes” with music box (33 x 14 cm., base = 4 cm. high x 9.5 cm. dia.) Some sets of Swedish-pattern chimes also came packaged with an additional suite of figures — horses and clowns, instead of angels — which allowed the chimes to be used as a party or birthday centerpiece. Music boxes were added to the base of some models; the one shown below plays “Happy Birthday to You,” but a variant which plays “Silent Night” has also been noted. For some reason it is rare to find any of the music-box chimes in their original packaging. Dan-Dee Imports “Angel Chimes with Spinning Candles” (27 x 14 cm., base = 12 cm. dia.) These days many “Swedish pattern” angel chimes are made in China or Japan, producing some strange and interesting variants on the basic design. This one, a personal favorite, features candle-holders attached to the impeller, so that the candles spin along with the angels. I haven’t been able to make it work, and I’m not convinced that the laws of physics will allow it: like trying to power a sailboat with an onboard electric fan ...