VINELAND, N.J. – 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