Antique German Composition Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh 20 Figure Christmas Toy

  

This pair of hand-crafted composition figures is among the larger sizes I have seen available over the years. From the tip of the reindeers nose to the back of the sleigh, the rig measures approximately 20 inches in length. The reindeer measures 11 inches in height at the top of his lead antlers.

These figures were created by hand in Germany during the turn of the century through to the 1920s. They were expensive Christmas decorations back then and are rare now. Santa has a hand-painted composition or clay face, with composition gloves and boots. His face is full of character and expression, beautifully picked out with painted highlights.

He is dressed in his original felt clothing, trimmed with fur. His beard and hair are also fur.

He is in beautiful condition, free from breakage, with only minimal signs of wear to his clothing. He holds a branch in his right hand, showing signs of having been bent in storage over the years but is not broken. Though Santa is certainly the centerpiece, his reindeer is the real star of the show.

Nearly eleven inches in height, the reindeer is covered from head to toe with real fur and finished with glass eyes. The reindeers antlers are cast in lead and hand-painted. There is some minor loss to the painted surface of the antlers, as pictured, but nothing that detracts from his overall appearance.

The red harnesses are all intact, highlighted with silver buttons and connecting to the sleigh via two eyelets. In addition, brown reins connect from the bit near the reindeers muzzle and continue back to the sleigh. There is a small amount of color loss to the black composition of the reindeers front hoof, as pictured. No other significant losses to surface or damage are apparent.

Santa and reindeer would not be complete without a sleigh. In this case, its a beautiful red and green woven wicker sleigh, complete with front seat for Santa and a cargo compartment waiting for vintage gifts and goodies to complete the scene. The edges of the sleigh are covered in lichen, some natural, some painted green. The lichen edging has been lost in a small area at the top of the sleigh, as pictured. Otherwise, the sleigh is sturdy and retains its original surface throughout.

These German composition Santa and sleighs are rare to the market, especially ones of this size and level of detail. This one, fresh from an attic, has been untouched and is as original as they come. Please view all of the photos, as they showcase the condition and quality of this piece better than any description possibly can. This item will come to you in excellent vintage condition. As described, it is not without minor imperfections, now nearly a century old.

Please contact me with any questions. Thanks for looking and good luck! The item "Antique German Composition Santa Claus Reindeer Sleigh 20 Figure Christmas Toy" is in sale since Thursday, November 03, 2016.

This item is in the category "Collectibles\Holiday & Seasonal\Christmas\ Vintage (Pre-1946)\Figures\Santa". The seller is "pieceofthemagic" and is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.