VERY RARE WIDE FACE ANNALEE 36” Reindeer

FIRST Production in the 1960s! 

A MUSEUM PIECE and  here's why.

This reindeer has all the indications of the first reindeer Annalee produced.  The first clue is the deer’s WIDE FACE.   It’s not the original deer-shaped faces made in the early 1970’s.   The 1960 wide face of Rudolph is show on page 91 of Volume I Annalee Price Index and Collector’s Information Guide.  He's winking and grinning with buck teeth. The orangish-red and soft dark green saddlebags are made of burlap (from the early production) instead of all felt, which was used in the 1970’s.  There were no patches glued on his saddlebags either, another indication of her early productions.   The fabric patches were identified on the charts in 1971. He has a tan body with jointed legs, and two-tone antlers, also seen in early Annalee reindeer.

Look at the beautiful BRIGHT RED Velvet RIBBON with the ORIGINAL DECORATIONS , green felt leaves with 3 plastic felt apples with tiny stems around his neck - everything is all together and in perfect condition!  Over the years most of these were removed or ruined from age or storage. The fur is still white and clean on his tail, neck and head.

Most of the labels were attached near the head area on the reindeer.  In the 1960’s, labels were made of white fabric with embroidered red lettering. The early production and sales were not subject to label identification, which in those days, was vague, lax and almost non-existent. This deer has no label and no indication one was sewn on!

If this deer was in MINT CONDITION the VALUE would be $3,000.00!

The  small round red plastic felt covered ball for a nose has been broken off and replaced with a felt red ball. Three of the legs at the bottom have been repaired. Moth bites were also present and have been repaired.