Who knew this would become the thing many of you asked about? Several emailed us and/or commented asking about our Santa. Here are some up pictures and details about the history of them:
These didn't come together.
The Santa belonged to my Grandparents. Grandma always put it under the tree as a decoration and as a little kid, I was enthralled by it. Some years later, they added Rudolph because they just looked like they belonged together. When they moved to a new house in the 70's and were downsizing, they passed Santa and Rudolph along to my parents who did the same thing with our tree. It was always under or beside the tree as part of the decorations. When my parents passed, I had to make sure to take care of Santa and friend and now they sit around to watch over our Christmas.
Not sure who they will get passed to for another generation to enjoy but we'll figure that out someday.
The Santa was made by The Ruston Company and still has the original tag. Grandma said she got it in the late 1950's. It's older than both of us!
Check out his boots. They are stitched leather, still shiny after more than 60 years!
Because this was sponsored by or maybe even sold by (not sure) Coca Cola, he is holding a coke bottle. This has been so well taken care of all these years, this is still the original bottle that it came with. It even still has the metal cap on it. No liquid coke in it of course, it was made in a solid color to look like it was full but just so cool and vintage.
Look at this face!
It looks like the image of Santa that we all know and love. The detail is so nice. While the body is stuffed fabric and the lower part of his beard is fur, the face and hands are rubber and still in great shape with no cracking. He (and Rudolph) get carefully wrapped up each season and are packed into their own storage box...ready for next year.
Now we don't know what they do in their off season, but they are back in time for Christmas every year.
It's such a lovely set and can't help but smile at Santa's fat cheeks.
ReplyDeleteWhen wrapping those 2 cute items up for storage, I suggest using Acid Free tissue paper.
The original Santa Claus dolls, (the one have) were first given out by Coca-Cola as promotional items in 1957. Later on they changed Santa bit to wearing white shoes.
What fun to have a treasure like this!! We downsized recently and moved back to Washington state ... so very few decorations left. Hopefully only the most prized ones. Some homemade ones went to a cousin to distribute later if they want or keep if they want. New house, new memories!! When ya get old it's hard to do just about anything!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, how precious and kept in such good shape. He looks as if little boys did not play with him. Good! I know you treasure them.
ReplyDeleteWe had that Santa. My mom told me he came with a Coke bottle, but it had long since disappeared. We also had a Rudolph, who completely fell apart and was trashed. The Santa wasn't in very good shape. One of my older sisters inherited him. I'm sure she sold him on eBay. I don't know how much she could have gotten for him since he was not in good condition.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
What beautiful memories this Santa and Rudolph hold. From your grandparents to your parents to you. These family heirlooms make Christmas even more meaningful.
ReplyDeleteThat is just wonderful! My sister and I both kept a couple of items Mom putout for Christmas each year. Though no one in my realm smokes, her Season's Greetings ash tray make an appearance each year.
ReplyDelete