Reindeer
There are many types of reindeer, some of the earliest being made in Germany
as early as the 1890's. They are usually made of paper mache or composition,
some of which are then covered with fur, felt, or cloth material. They came in
many different sizes too. Some were candy containers (where the head can be removed),
some were nodders (wind-up or counter weight), some had harnesses and were made for
pulling sleighs, and some had Santa riders. Around 1920 metal reindeer were made,
most are about 4"- 5" tall and usually marked Germany or Japan (1930's).
There are other types of reindeer that were made later, including celluloid and
plastic, and some are being made today. In the late 1930's and early 1940's,
Western Germany made fur covered reindeer with very decorative harnesses and had
Santa riders or were pulling sleighs with Santa in them. Early Reindeer are becoming very
difficult to find and are demanding big prices. Beware that some reindeer are being reproduced
in the old style and sold as old.
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