The Santas and belsnickels that Ralph makes are based on wonderful early candy containers and lanterns from the late 1800's up to no later than 1920. Produced mainly by the German cottage industry, they were originally used as mantle or table decorations. The lanterns, in addition to being in-home decorations, are mentioned in early accounts as being carried by Christmas carolers. Carolers would hang the lighted lanterns on the end of sticks that they could carry from door to door. Like Ralph's reproductions, the early lanterns, Santa's and belsnickels were make of composition, a mixture of plaster and paper-maché, pressed into molds and then hand painted.

Halloween Collectibles History

Jack o'lanterns and candy containers were first produced out of a mixture of plaster and paper-maché, commonly referred to as composition, by the cottage industry in Germany in the late 1800's. By the 1930's these items were also made in the United States from molded cardboard or pulp pressed into molds and then painted. Inserts of facial features were made from a thin paper that allowed the candle inside the lantern to glow through the openings in the shell. Candy containers had small cardboard cylinders that allowed for a treat to be found inside. In addition to the more common black cats, witches, devils and ghosts, Halloween collectibles frequently contained whimsical fall images of anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables. Candy containers were often used as Halloween party table decorations. Halloween lanterns were either used as party favors or carried door to door by trick or treaters.