Vintage Bethany Lowe Hand Signed 22 Limited Edition Victorian Santa Claus 1989

  
This Santa Claus Soft Figure is name "Victorian Santa" by Bethany Lowe. She only started making these in 1987 so it is the earliest one I have found while researching.

He was a limited edition 016/200. He is wearing a red wool full length coat trimmed in real soft brown fur rabbit? His matching cap is of the same fabric and fur.

In his right hand he is holding a 4 1/2 handmade ragdoll (in the Raggedy Ann style). In the crook of his left arm he is holding a green (Christmas) pine tree that has two tiny books tucked into it. "The Teddy Bear Come To Life". The books are actual books.

Around his waist is a jute rope belt that also has a brass horn attached. The toy sack on his back has a jute rope strap. It is open at the top and filled with dried Spanish moss, a wooden sled/ a handmade mohair? Teddy bear/ a wooden drum and another real book.

The toy sack or bag is fabulous! It is made from vintage fabrics in a patchwork quilt style with knotted green yard attaching the fabric to the batting and it appears to be fully lined. I believe that this was all handmade and not a remnant of a quilt since it is perfectly to scale. The vintage/antique fabric has numerous threadbare spots consistent with actual age and wear when made for this Santa and not worn out after the fact.

Santa's face is hand painted on canvas with a shaped nose and bright blue eyes. He has a very full, bushy wool (I think) beard. The robe or coat has all its folds glued in place to an 8 circle of wood where it is signed, numbered and dated. My understanding is that Bethany Lowe no longer makes these limited edition soft Santas so not only is this a very early one in terms of her career it is also a chance to have a rare early edition 16 of 200. If you have any additional information about this particular Santa Claus or even are lucky enough to actually own one of the 200 I would love to hear from you! Make this rare Santa a gift to yourself this Christmas or give it to someone precious to you - it will continue to be an heirloom!