Semaphore's historic carousel faces being sold overseas for parts unless its operators can raise $125,000 ICON: Ruby of Semaphore enjoying a ride on the carousel. Picture: Roy Van Der Vegt Source: News Limited SEMAPHORE'S historic carousel faces being sold overseas and broken up for parts unless its operators can raise $125,000 to keep it in Adelaide. Operator Peter Lohmann is encouraging people to buy tickets in bulk to raise enough money to cover rent and maintenance of the seaside amusement. He is offering 50 tickets for $250 or 100 tickets for $500, which would be valid for five years. "We need this money to keep it running otherwise we'll have no choice but to close it and sell it," Mr Lohmann said. READ ALSO: Carousel brings true love full circle We've had interest from an overseas buyer in the US about a year ago and we believe that if we are forced to sell it will be sold overseas. He said historic carousels were "an endangered species" and were often broken up so the horses could be sold individually for up to $15,000. The 40 horses on the Semaphore carousel are some of the rarest in the world, which means that there is a very high risk that an overseas buyer will buy the carousel just to dismantle the horses. The carousel was put up for sale in 2011 for $250,000 by owner Ernie Makepeace but a buyer has yet to be found. Mr Lohmann and partner Dea Wilke took over its running from Mr Makepeace in a bid to keep it at Semaphore. The ride is open every weekend and during public holidays and summer school holidays. Mr Lohmann was confident it would stay in Semaphore if the couple could raise the $125,000. "I instantly fell in love with this South Australian built grand carousel," Mr Lohmann said. With no buyer Ernie was left with no option but to close the ride, so my partner Dea and I stepped in to keep it open. As I also work full-time it is taking its toll, but the reward of knowing we are doing something to keep this SA icon open has pushed us through. But as it stands now we cannot do this indefinitely. Details: 0430878257 or Semaphore Carousel, South Australia on Facebook. ■ The carousel was built in the 1920s and is believed to be the largest operating carousel in Australia. ■ It became an attraction of the Semaphore Foreshore in 1938 and this year celebrated its 75th year at the seaside spot. ■ It has 40 handcrafted wooden horses, while most carousels have 36 horses. ■ The 40 horses, which are extremely rare, were hand-carved by the Bartel Factory and can sell for up to $15,000 each.