Tomorrow marks the feast day for the 4th century bishop of Myra, known as Nicholas of Bari in Ancient Greece. He was a devout man who lost his parents at an early age. This sad experience brought him a sense of compassion for others. There are many stories of his goodness toward everyone, but especially children. He was reported to have died on Dec. 6, 343, and those who keep his legend alive observe this date as the traditional feast of St. Nicholas.
Dutch children place their shoes out the night before, in hopes of getting them filled with small tokens or candy. They call the saint Sinterklaas.
American children were introduced to Santa Claus from the original St. Nicholas. He was also called Father Christmas. Thomas Nast, the famed cartoonist, captured a jovial, friendly example for Harpers Weekly in 1881.
German folklore had their Belsnickel -- a stern, thin, fur-clad gentleman who is the subject of a myriad of replica figures today. Very collectible, mint antique examples go for top dollar.
Equally impressive are his reindeer, either as candy containers or ornamentals. Colors for his outfit vary from blue to green and yellow, which increase value, while the usual red is more common.
Hello Brenda,
I received this pottery years ago from my dad, who said it was passed down to him while he was in college. It has never been used and there are no cracks. We can see markings on the base, but not sure what they mean. Would this have any value?
C.R.,
Cleveland
Hi Christina,
Your wolf pottery has a strong resemblance to an English Ironstone piece. From what I can see with the artist’s fanciful initials on the base (MB), this appears to be a copy of the original design. Comparing the details on the animals, the front paws on the handle, of the original, are quite detailed. Yours are not visible paws, pointing us to a later mold of the pitcher. It still has value and interest as a 1940s brown-glazed animal pitcher, under $100.
If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at [email protected].