Mid South Products Appraisal

Mid-South Products 'The Belsnickle' Folk Art Santa Figurine

This is a stylized Santa Claus figurine, designed in a contemporary folk-art style reminiscent of the Belsnickle tradition. The item stands approximately 10 to 12 inches tall and is constructed from cast resin or cold-cast polystone, featuring a matte finish with a deep red and antique bronze color palette. The figure possesses an elongated, teardrop-shaped body and a tall, conical hat accented with metallic leaf-and-berry wire wraps. A notable feature is the highly detailed, hand-painted face featuring realistic eyes, a white mustache, and an exceptionally long, flowing white beard that is gathered at the bottom with a wire tie. The arms are articulated with wire-and-bead 'curly' joints at the shoulders, ending in simple wooden-style peg hands. The base is uniquely decorated with a ring of red metallic oak leaves and beaded wire accents that hang down from the waistline, giving the piece a rustic, autumnal festive appearance. The craftsmanship shows intricate texture on the beard and a deliberate 'brushed' paint effect on the body to simulate age. The item appears to be in excellent used condition with no visible chips, cracks, or missing paint, though there is a natural patina on the metallic wire elements. This style is consistent with late 20th to early 21st-century holiday collectibles produced by Mid-South Products or similar boutique giftware brands.