Thrill of the Hunt #49: Christmas in June?

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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

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.

"Pere Noel, France, 1993." SOLD

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

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

"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).

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.

What a sweet face!

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

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.  

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