Almost two years ago I stumbled upon four porcelain collectible Santa Claus figurines and put them in my Etsy shop. I knew they were a good find when 3 out of 4 of them sold relatively quickly. So I was very happy recently to finally find yet another International Santa to add to the list.
By way of recap, three of the Santa figurines were 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. There was a French Santa (Pere Noel), A Welsh Santa (Welsh Father Christmas), and an English Santa (Father Christmas). The Welsh and French Santas sold.
The English Santa, or Father Christmas, is still AVAILABLE.
The 4th Santa was a vintage 1991 Enesco Santa Claus figurine from John Grossman's The Gifted Line Collection Circa 1920 and it, too, sold. Now on to my more recent finds.
For the first time I also got the original paperwork that was in the box with one of these Santas. I had to laugh. The company offered the customer a chance to purchase a "Here Comes Santa Claus" figurine if they could show by way of stamps that they first bought six other International Santa Claus collectible figurines. Then it would still cost them $15.00 plus $3.00 shipping!
The box still had its one stamp in it. What great marketing --"You can't buy this hand painted Here Comes Santa Claus in any store!" I guess some things never change, right?
One side of the box sets forth The Legend of Santa.
While the other side of the box explains that each year in Czechoslovakia, on December 5th, children believe that Saint Nicholas is lowered down from heaven on a golden cord.
One thing I love about the International Santas is that most of them carry their toys in a unique container, not just a sack. Many use a basket slung over their back as seen here. (He also snuck some toys into his pockets!)
Here's the official International Santa Collection label for the Czechoslovakian Saint Nicholas, made in China in 1996.
This Merry Olde Santa ornament is from the Hallmark Collector's Series from 1993.
Just look at that bell he's ringing.
And check out that satchel of Christmas gifts on his back.
And how awesome are those ice skates?
This 1993 Merry Olde Santa Hallmark Keepsake ornament is SOLD.
And last but not least I have another white porcelain piece to add to my collection because you all know I can't resist them. It's a Corelle stoneware gravy boat. The plate beneath it is vintage ironstone I already had.
I believe the pattern is called White Enhancements, but it's also known as the "Swirl" pattern. That's because there's a pretty swirl pattern that wraps around the base of the gravy boat. It's hard to get a good picture of it but I think you can see the pattern here, looking at it from below.
From what I can tell I believe it was made before 2000. I paid $1.99 for it and it's probably worth around $20.00-$25.00 if I had the original plate that goes with it, which I don't. But that's okay because I'm keeping it and adding it to my collection. Gravy boats make great vases!
Well, that's it for today, friends! I hope I've inspired you in some way and that you've enjoyed reading Thrill of the Hunt #85!
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