Thrill of the Hunt #49: Christmas in June?

June 2, 2017



It seems like every week I make a joke about how vintage Christmas tchotchkes find me wherever I go. And this week is no different! More specifically, it's Santa Claus, in various forms, that I've been stumbling across. You might remember that some classic looking Santas were painted on collectible Coca-Cola glassware, while many others were made of porcelain. Guess what kind I found this week?

I lucked out and found a set of three porcelain Santas from the International Santa Claus Collection, manufactured by International Resourcing Services, Inc. The company went out of business in 2008 and, apparently, many people have become ardent collectors of these international Santas ever since.

Welsh Santa Father Christmas porcelain figurine

First up is the Welsh Santa, or Welsh Father Christmas, manufactured in 1998 (only 19 years old, the least vintage of the bunch). I love his robe and the wreath around his head. Welsh Santa SOLD.

Welsh Santa Father Christmas figurine

I'm just not sure what he's looking at, maybe some flying reindeer?

Welsh Santa Father Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1998

I love the fact that these Santas are all carrying their toys in baskets, rather than sacks. I'm not sure if this is a real kitten or a stuffed one, but it's pretty cute. I'm amazed at the detail of even the tiniest features.

Welsh Santa Father Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1998

"Welsh Father Christmas, Wales, 1998."

Here's the maker's label on the bottom. I just love it when Goodwill places their price tags over the important stuff. Happens all the time.

French Santa Pere Noel Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1993

International Santa number two is the French Santa, or Pere Noel. It was manufactured in 1993. I love the kind look on his face.

French Santa Pere Noel Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1993

Again we have a lovely toy basket, rather than satchel, overflowing with goodies. It looks like it has two stuffed animals, also made with great detail.

French Santa Pere Noel Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1993

French Santa Pere Noel Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1993

"Pere Noel, France, 1993." SOLD

English Father Christmas Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1992

International Santa number three is from England, better known as Father Christmas. It was manufactured in 1992.

English Father Christmas Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1992

Here's a lovely basket filled with dolls and wrapped boxes.

English Father Christmas Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1992

English Father Christmas Christmas International Santa Claus Collection 1992

"Father Christmas, England, 1992" Available here

All three Santas are selling for anywhere from $24.00 to upwards of $40.00, depending on the country and condition. Mine are in pristine condition (wish I had the original boxes, though).


Homco Christmas angel figurine 1970's harp

Another vintage Christmas tchotchoke was found at the same Goodwill on the same day: a vintage Homco Christmas Angel figurine, circa the 1970's. Apparently she's one of a set of three. While she plays the harp, two other angels play the violin and the mandolin.

Homco Christmas angel figurine 1970's harp

What a sweet face!

Homco Christmas angel figurine 1970's harp

The detail here is also special. I just love her pink bow in the back.

Homco Christmas angel figurine 1970's harp

And how about that bright red shoe just peeking out from under her dress? Love it! Isn't she darling? I think that even without the rest of the trio she's worth keeping. This Homco porcelain Christmas angel playing the harp is SOLD.

So yes, it does seem a bit like Christmas in June, now, doesn't it? But really, that's ok with me since Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday of them all, hands down.  What's yours?


Well, that's it for this week, friends!

I hope you enjoyed reading 
Thrill of the Hunt #49.  

Be sure to stay in touch:


Just click on my Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram icons in my top right sidebar. You can also sign up there to receive my blog posts via email as well.

If you sign up via email. you should receive a confirmation email in your inbox. If not, please check your spam folder (and/or your "Promotions" folder if you have gmail)!
Thank you!
Don't forget to Pin it! 




Don’t miss another thrifty,



 DIY home décor post!    



Leave a Comment!

Wild Oak Designs said...

I can just see your house at Christmas!! What fun you have!!
I love thrifting too....
Great finds...
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com

Sharon @ Blue Willow House said...

The Santas are a great find but those little angels stole my heart. The one with the red shoe sticking out is my favorite.

rush said...

It kind of bothers me that items made in China have become collector's items. What does that say about us? Really, I get it, but it's too bad that collectible goods can't be made in our own countries. They have been outsourced. It seems to give the message that we don't have the time to make things that will be treasured. It's like we don't care. We just want cheap.

My thrift store addiction said...

I've never seen those Santas before--instant collection! I have to agree with Sharon, that little angel is too sweet!

Related Posts with Thumbnails