Antique Putz Nativity Christmas Figures Germany, Italy

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

ANTIQUE PUTZ COLLECTION...GERMANY & ITALY...42 PIECES IN ALL! For auction is an amazing Christmas putz Nativity set that I am selling for my friend. She found this wonderful set of antique German and Italian figures in the attic of a cabin that she bought many years ago. The lady who owned the cabin was originally from Germany. These figures were found all wrapped up in paper, in a box, in a corner of the attic. My friend displayed this on her windowsill for many years. I recently travelled to Wisconsin to my friend's home to help her "downsize" her lifetime collections. Most of these figures have either Germany or Italy on the bottom of them. Many of them have some minor damage. However, as you can see...this wonderful putz collection would take a lifetime to accumulate. I will list the items in this collection. I have been told that the composition of these is paper mache, I'm not an expert and do not know the correct name of the composition. Many of them have a wire base. Many of the animals have wood over the wire base. Most of the figures that are marked, "Germany" have a paper label on the base. Mary - Germany - 4 1/4" tall - head has been glued back on Joseph - Germany - 4 1/2" tall Baby Jesus (2") in wooden manger, on a bed of cotton - Germany - has is broken, but piece is with figure Campfire with hanging copper pot - Germany - 4" tall Sheperd boy - Germany - 3" tall. Seated by campfire in photo Man in brown coat with white hair & beard - Germany - 5 1/8" tall Man with beard - Germany - Missing his staff #1 Wiseman - Germany - 6" tall #2 Wiseman - Germany - 6" tall #3 Wiseman, kneeling - Germany - 5" tall Angel - Germany - 5" tall - Hand broken - Chip on base has been repaired Boy with sheep on his shoulder - Germany - 5 1/2" tall Small man (on bridge in photo) - Germany 2 1/2" tall Small woman (on bridge in photo) - Germany 2 1/1" tall Deer with antlers - marked "HK" Chicken - marked "Japan" - porcelain Collie dog - 1 1/4" - chalkware Calf - 1 3/4" tall Cow - laying down - 5" long X 2" tall Donkey - missing one ear - 4 1/2" Moose - Wooden legs - 1 leg broken; Antlers missing; 3 1/4" tall Horse - Wooden legs - 1 foot broken - 5" tall Camel - Wooden legs - 5 1/2" tall Horse - Missing ears - 4 5/8" tall Deer with antlers - plastic - 7 1/2" tall 8 Sheep -3 Chalkware, marked "MADE IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", 5 "ITALY" stamped in purple ink Man with logs - Italy stamped into bottom of figure - 4 5/8" tall Boy with instrument - "Hand painted in Italy" on the paper on the bottom of the figure - 4 1/2" Boy with instrument - "ITALY" stamped in bottom - 4 3/4" Sheperd boy with 5 sheep on wire, on a stand - 3 1/2" long X 4" tall Bridge Fence Stable It is my understanding that many of these are from the early 1900s. Most of the figures have at least some natural wear on them. I have tried to mention any major defects that I could see. If you are Christmas nativity putz collector, you will appreciate the fact that I have decided to sell this collection as a whole. To honor the person who probably spent a lifetime collecting it, I will not separate any items to sell individually. Please email with any other questions that you may have. I hope you enjoy my auctions as much as I do looking for treasures to offer. Most items that I offer for auction have been found at flea markets, estate sales, garage sales, or are being sold on consignment for others. Some are used, some are new. I look for unique items that I think other collectors, etc. will enjoy. I describe each item to the best of my ability and disclose any flaws or defects that are visible or palpable to me. I am not an expert in any area. If you are I would enjoy learning from you! Please check the photos and if you have questions send me an email prior to bidding. I always appreciate learning more about the items that I offer as well as answering questions that you may have. Thanks for looking, good l... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.