What the Heck Is It? #9: Mystery Christmas Item
Happy Thursday friends, and welcome to another edition of What the Heck Is It?
I’m tweaking things up a bit here at TRV for the New Year so from now on What the Heck will be posted on Thursdays.
It’s just a better fit for me because I want to keep Fridays open for other post possibilities.
In the last WTH post most of you thought the cone shaped thingy was for vertically roasting a chicken.
Although I’ve never done that myself and had no idea what it was I can certainly see how that would work.
THE PRIZE 1893 piece was thought to be off of some old machinery or an old wood stove. That makes sense because it has holes on the ends for attaching.
I have to say that I really love this piece, and will be using it somewhere n my decor in the future. Maybe in my kitchen redo.
This week’s mystery item was given to me by a good friend in a shoe box of mixed vintage Christmas goodies. Lucky me!
Thanks so much Pat! 🙂
I’ve never seen an ornament quite like this one.
It’s about 6″ tall and as you can see it’s in pretty rough vintage condition, but that just makes me love it more.
I’m the kinda girl who loves things like this because it’s wearing its history for all to see. I can imagine the wonderful Christmas tales this ornament could tell.
What’s really interesting to me is that the figure is on top of a glass ball.
At first glance I thought it was a snowman holding a broom, but snowmen don’t usually have flesh-coloured faces.
I’m quite sure that the unmarked cap that came with it isn’t original because it’s much larger than the neck, so I have no idea where it was made.
It has a 40s or 50s vibe to me, but that’s just a gut guess. I’ve sold vintage Christmas treasures online for years, but have never seen an ornament quite like this one.
It’s most definitely a keeper, but What the Heck Is It? Any thoughts?
Thanks so much for reading and until next time…
keep on keepin’ on!
XOX
Oh boy! It is a treasure, that ‘s what it is! No idea of it’s origins but I agree it is a keeper. I will be interested to see what others say it is.
Thanks AnnMarie! He’s a keeper for sure.
Don’t know, but looks somewhat like a marionette or soldier perhaps. Some of them have those funky hats.
Thanks for the suggestion Florence. I think he could be both those things.
to me it looks like 2 ornaments made into 1.
Looks like they removed the cap from the round bauble and used for the top ornament.
It does look like 2 ornaments Colleen, but it’s definitely all one piece. That’s what makes it so interesting to me.
Far out…..my first impression was a really large toothbrush. Could be a dentist type ornament? Seems that there were a lot of career type things in the 50s
I never thought of that Jewel. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
I’m baffled. ColleenB’s idea sounds likely, though. Looking forward to hearing more!
I have to say I’m a little baffled myself Dona. 🙂
Looks like a baseball bat and baseball helmet/hat–maybe a souvenir from a ballpark?
My hubby would love it if that’s what he is Cindy. He’s a big baseball fan.
You are welcome Tuula. This ornament was in my family since I was a little girl and I am a Great Grandma now so it is very old. It is definitely one piece and I think it might be a soldier but this is just a guess on my part. Enjoy.
It’s such an interesting ornament Pat. I can see how he might be a soldier. 🙂
Santa at the North Pole ornament
I suppose that’s possible with that red hat. Thanks for the suggestion. 🙂
Hmmmmmmmm……..chimney sweep?
Holly
Thanks Holly! That’s a very interesting suggestion. I never would have thought of that. 🙂
Well, I have no clue but like you, I think it’s wonderful whatever it used to be!
Thanks Tina! He’ll be in my vintage collection for years to come… whatever he is.
My first thought was Santa at the North Pole like Colleen said, but I have no idea for sure. It is very interesting!!
Thanks for joining in Mrs A. It’s one of the most unusual ornaments I’ve ever seen.
Looks like a Shriner to me…
What an interesting suggestion! I can see how the hat might resemble a Shriner hat. Thanks for joining in. 🙂
Hi Tuula, maybe he’s part of a curling team?
You never know Kelly, maybe he is. 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion.
I have no new ideas as to the ornament but I want to commend you for your consistently positive, thoughtful, and encouraging responses to each and every comment! ?
Terrific
Thanks Susan! I’m truly grateful for every comment, including yours. 🙂 Even if I never find out exactly what he’s supposed to be, it’s fun to think about what he could be. I find it so interesting that he looks like different things to different readers.
Oh I love it, Tuula! Never seen anything quite like it and agree it may be 2 (or more) combined ornaments, perhaps to replace broken parts. Definitely a keeper 😉
Thanks so much Cecilia! I love it too. 🙂