Zimbelstern

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Zimbelstern (Ger.). A toy organ-stop, prevalent in N. Eur. c.1500–1800. It comprised a revolving star near the top of the organ-case with a set of tuned or untuned bells attached to a wind-blown driving-wheel behind the case. It was an effect often used on feast days. There is a Zimbelstern on the org. of the chapel of St John's Coll., Cambridge.