A reader wanting to know more about two candy box houses he just picked up sent me these photos. According to Chris, the Santas are made of cotton and have clay faces. No holes for lights, no celophane. Does anyone have anything like this?

These are very early. A friend has one with very similar if not identical Santa--we used a pre-made base from Howard Lamey since she was missing that--the shop had others almost identical to the ones shown. I believe the shop said they were 1930's; I will try and find her photo and post it here.

I can't find my friend's photo but here is one from the recent Golden Glow convention
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/6000571736/
definitely 1930's

I finally found the photo--yes, 1930's, early

Marie, thanks for the photos and your remarks. The santas are the same and even the tree on the house look the same. Do you have any idea as to the value of these candy boxes? Thanks, Chris

No I don't. But I can tell you that my friend got the one above on ebay (it didn't have a base; we used of Lamey's bases and attached it permanently at her request) and she paid about $20 for it.

Marie,

Thank you for the information. It gives me an idea as to what they are worth. My mother didn't think they were worth much, but I thought they had to be since they had the santa's with the clay faces on the side. Appreicate all your help.

Chris

Bear in mind the one in the picture was missing the base. That probably affected the price. I did find a listing for a similar candy house the other day on some auction site--but sorry to say I can longer find th elink--and the price sold for A COMPLETE house was $43