#MiddleburyCT #SantaFigures #PeterPanRecords #Caroleers
Santa Claus comes in many forms. While he is ultimately inspired by the historical St. Nicholas of Myra (today Demre, Turkey), a fourth-century Greek bishop, he is influenced by British, German, Dutch and Scandinavian folkloric figures.
Merry Christmas! There’s a version of Santa Claus for everyone who celebrates. (Kovels.com photo)
According to today’s traditions, he lives at the North Pole. So it might seem odd that the country store Santa figure pictured here, which sold for $441 at Garths’ Auctioneers & Appraisers, holds an American flag. But the Santa Claus we know in the United States was developed here.
European immigrants brought their Christmas traditions with them. In 1823, American poet Clement Clark Moore published “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” probably better known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” establishing the image of Santa Claus as “a right jolly old elf.”
Cartoonist Thomas Nast cemented this image in popular culture with his illustrations for Harper’s Weekly starting in the 1860s. L. Frank Baum, who set out to write a quintessentially American fairy tale with “The Wizard of Oz,” published “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” in 1902, depicting Santa as a foundling child raised by fairies and granted immortality after a lifetime of good deeds.
One of the most enduring images of Santa comes from the Coca-Cola advertisements designed by painter Haddon Sundblom starting in the 1930s. From Europe to the Americas, and from history to folklore to advertisements, Santa can make himself at home anywhere.
Q: Where can I find the value of a set of Peter Pan Records sung by the Caroleers?
A: The Caroleers were a group of mostly unknown vocalists who recorded children’s music for several companies during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. They recorded for Peter Pan Records beginning in 1952. The Caroleers recorded several Christmas albums in 78 RPM, 45 RPM, and LP formats. Millions of their records were sold. Many sell on eBay for $5 or less today. A few sell for about $10. Some sites ask much more. Rarity and condition determine price. Go to a local store that buys and sells vintage records to see what your set sells for in your area.
TIP: Never leave salt in a silver saltshaker. It quickly can damage the silver.
Current Prices
Bicycle, tricycle, figural horse, ride on, plaster, painted saddle, multicolor, hair tail, 33 x 31 inches, $120.
Christmas, candy dish, lid, Santa finial, sleigh, milk glass, molded scrolls, scalloped, holly sprig, hand painted, Westmoreland, 6 x 3 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches, pair, $225.
Christmas, figurine, tree, rhinestones, green, red, clear, various sizes and shapes, five-point topper, gold tone setting, round foot, Czechoslovakia, 12 3/4 inches, $450.
Toy, wagon, delivery, newspaper, Detroit Times, white bed, red frame, four wheels, restored, child’s, $480.
For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.
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