Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,

[David H]

jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way... down the Unter den Linden......

This is one of my favourite items,hope you like it too.

[David H]

Jingle

This little beauty, a NVA Schellenbaum ( Jingle Johnny ) was brought out of Berlin in 1991 by two chaps I know very well... and would appear to be the one used by the 'wachregiment Friedrich Engels'......

[David H]

jingle

The workmanship on this thing is very good (made by Gustav, Liepzig). It's interesting that the DDR coat of arms on top is of inferior quality to the rest of the Schellenbaum and made of different metal, makes me wonder if bits of it could have had a previous life under different management!!

[David H]

Close up of oak leaf bell decoration, exactly the same as TR regulations.

[David H]

Jingle

Close up of the banner, very good quality, embroided in metal thread on silk, same construction as a Standard or Trumpet banner.

[David H]

Jingle

If anyone has any info on the manufacturer I would be very interested...

[Mikhealc]

Nice

David,

Very nice as always. I have never seen one of these jingling johnnies in a collection. Awesome. Mike

[Mike G.]

Hello David,

As you know, that is my absolute favorite piece in your collection.
In fact, in anyone's collection, although outside of a museum, you're the only one I know that has one.

My wife and I currently have no children. However, now that you've finally posted this beautiful work of art, I wish to let you know we are diligently (If not urgently) working on producing an offspring in the hopes we can offer you our first born child for this item.

Side Note: While I haven't any idea who the manufacturer is, I am 99.9% sure that one is from a military band in Berlin.

Fantastic piece of history.

Merry Christmas and thanks for finally sharing this with all of us.

[Mike G.]

David,

I've read through your comments on each post (Didn't do that the first time - the pictures dazzled me).

Regarding your comment about the fact the DDR Seal (Staatswappen) is constructed of metal not up to the quality of the rest of this magnificent piece. Is it possible this Schellenbaum (All of them for that matter) was originally Wehrmacht and was then converted to DDR NVA? I suspect that to be the case. What is your take on this?

If my thinking on this is correct, then researching this gem from the Wehrmacht side of the house probably will result in your finding the manufacturer.

Oh, and I totally agree with you that this is one from the Friedrich Engels' Military Band (It matches perfectly with photos of them in action). A monumental find.

[David H]

David,

Regarding your comment about the fact the DDR Seal (Staatswappen) is constructed of metal not up to the quality of the rest of this magnificent piece. Is it possible this Schellenbaum (All of them for that matter) was originally Wehrmacht and was then converted to DDR NVA? I suspect that to be the case. What is your take on this?

If my thinking on this is correct, then researching this gem from the Wehrmacht side of the house probably will result in your finding the manufacturer.

.

My gut feeling is that the vast majority of it could be re-vamped Wehrmacht, but it's difficult to tell, the manufacturers name only appears on the metal collar of the wooden handle, though a few of the individual components are stamped with a number 4.....

[Ralph P]

Hey David...WOW!!!...that is one large and very interesting Schellenbaum that I have ever seen...I can not say much else to assist in your questions but to say thanks for sharing...What I find interesting is the embroided metal thread banner. Do you know the timeframe when the banner was made?

Also I will make a deal with you...You go ahead and take Mike's first born and then send me your items because I will for sure take care of them for you!!!

[John F.]

What is a Schellenbaum???

Wow!!! That has to be the nicest one of those I have ever seen. May I show my ignorance and ask... what is it and what was it used for?

John

[Mike G.]

Wow!!! That has to be the nicest one of those I have ever seen. May I show my ignorance and ask... what is it and what was it used for?

John

Hi John,

I hope David doesn't mind my responding to your question. The Schellenbaum (German connotation) has always been a fascination for me, even in my youth. Obtaining one from the NVA has always been a dream, and unfortunately, it will remain just that, a dream. But at least David has one so that we can see up close and personal, this fascinating instrument that originated specifically in military bands.

First, the German word for this instrument, Schellenbaum, literally means "Tree of Bells". This instrument is unique in that originally, it was strictly a Military musical instrument. You will I'm sure be surprised to learn that it did not originate in Europe, though this is where it now is most prominently used, both in Military and Civilian "Marching" bands. This unusual musical instrument first appeared in use with the military of the Ottomon Empire. It is believed to have first been employed by the "Janissaries" or the Personal Guard of Sultan ORKRAN, circa 1326-1359. It was deployed with Ottomon (Turkish) military bands along with kettle drums, cymbals and other percussion instruments, to both inspire their military, and to bring fear into the hearts of the enemy. It found its way into Europe when the Ottomon Empire invaded Europe. As I'm sure you know, the Ottomon Empire was eventually defeated and driven from Europe. However, just as we here on this Forum collect DDR/NVA memorabilia, and for some of us (I fall into this category) it is War Booty; so did the Europeans collect War Booty from the Turks as they were driven out. Among the War Booty collected, were numerous "Bell Carriages" or Schellenbaums as the Germans came to call them. A bunch of these were collected for example from the Janissary Bands during the Turkish retreat from the Balkans in the 17th Century during the Battle of Petrovaradin in 1697. These Schellenbaum were immediately requisitioned into service with the European Military Bands. They first were primarily used in Poland. Their use gradually extended to Russia and Austria. From Austria the use of the Schellenbaum eventually found its way to Germany via the Prussian Military. By the 19th Century the Schellenbaum had lost its usefulness in Military bands, primarily because it is not really a true musical instrument. It was replaced by the Glockenspiel (Lyra), which is similar, but is an actual musical instrument. However, the Schellenbaum remained a focal point of Military bands in Russia and Germany, and came to symbolize the traditional "Insignia" of the Military band. The Wehrmacht continued the tradition of the Schellenbaum originally instituted by its Prussian Military predecessor. The NVA continued this tradition. It might surprise you to know that the tradition still continues today. The Bundeswehr now continues the tradition of this uniquely military instrument in its military bands. So, the "Jingling Johnny" lives on.

Side Note of Interest: When the Schellenbaum was employed by the NVA, it was always carried at the front of the band by an NCO. Always.

[John F.]

Michael: Thank you for that very detailed answer. Next question how was it played? It would look as if it was just shaken.

John

[walt]

O M G!!! I just about fell out of my chair when I saw this! VERY NICE! You are a very lucky collector!!!