Antique and vintage toys reigned supreme in Bertoia's $1.2 million Holiday Antiques Auction held Jan. 29-30
Jersey Desk/10325991

VINELAND, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- A German terracotta Santa Claus figure seated on a sleigh boasting spectacular detailing soared to $66,000; a large, 24½-inch-tall papier-mâché Santa figure from the late 1800s realized $26,400; and a rare 1904 Steiff apricot "rod bear" with an X-ray of the interior torso brought $20,400 in Bertoia's Holiday Antiques Auction held January 29-30, 2026.

It was a massive auction, one that totaled $1.2 million. It contained over 1,500 lots, including exquisite European Santas; belsnickels and nodders; tree ornaments, including 100 sought-after Dresdens; candy containers; 60 European dolls; Steiff teddy bears; and other sought-after toys.

The selection also included other types of early holiday collectibles, from whimsical Halloween characters to Easter-themed and patriotic pieces, as well as three dozen German and American dollhouses and stables, papier-mâché and litho'd paper-on-wood toys, and coveted French and German automata.

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The incredible, 22-inch-tall terracotta Santa figure seated on a sleigh, from the DeGarbolewski collection was easily the overall top lot of the auction. The $66,000 selling price was more than six times the $10,000 high estimate. Terracotta figures of this type are rarely seen, and this one exhibited superb detail and realism of the strands of beard hair.

The enormous, 24½-inch-tall papier-mâché Santa figure from the late 1800s – also from the DeGarbolewski collection – was a sensational example, with a wonderful styling, plus great form and impression. It was in excellent condition, with just a few spots of flaking and some in-painting. The final selling price of $26,400 was nearly four times the $7,000 high estimate.

The 16-inch-tall 1904 Steiff "rod bear" featured rare apricot mohair, gutta percha nose, elongated muzzle, top of head ear-to-ear stitching, shoe button eyes, elephant ear button and an X-ray of the interior torso. The bear was in very good condition, with some early restoration to the gutta percha nose, and paw pads that were refurbished or replaced. The high estimate was $8,000 but bidders drove the final price to $20,400.

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All prices quoted in this report are inclusive of buyer's premium as stated on Bertoia's website https://www.bertoiaauctions.com. To view the catalog and prices realized for Bertoia's January 29-30, 2026 auction, visit https://bid.bertoiaauctions.com/auctions/1-BNSWTS/holiday-january-2026?limit=36&jump_to_lot=16