The snow baby tradition is actually quite old, going back nearly a hundred years to pre-World War I Germany. The first two pictures on this page show examples from this early period. The pieces from this era were carefully crafted, and were made in small quantities.
The other photos show pieces made between WW I AND WW II. These snow babies were mass produced and not finished to last for decades -- although many of them have. They were not fired after they were painted, and the colors will wash off very easily. The pieces are livelier, more brightly painted, and sometimes whimsical.
You can learn more about this subject from my new book, which has many more pictures and much more information than I can present here. Click
New Book to check it out.
Chapter 2 Gallubas 1905-?1915. Galluba and Hoffman was the maker of all true blue snows, and they made many (all?) of these figures in other finishes as well. Here are two examples of one figurine, the first with blue snow, the second with an ivory finish. 5" each.
Chapter 8. Four Inch. The pieces in this chapter are are 4" or larger. In addition to children, some large Santas, gnomes, and animals are pictured. Above are two child sledders made by Fritz Pfeffer in the early 1900s.
Chapter 10. Later Babies. These three lively babies made in Germany during the 1920s or 1930s. They are obviously a set -- or maybe just part of a set. They don't seem to be enjoying their sport, maybe it's an exercise contest.
Chapter 13. Santas. This small Coralene-covered Santa carries a very large pinecone container.
Chapter 16. Animals. Well-dressed mouse family out for a ride in a push sleigh. Mice are an unusual subject in the snow baby catagory.
Chapter 17. Snowmen An unlikely snowman duet. Won't the drum drown out the mandolin? And are there other members to this "band"?
Chapter 14. Gnomes. Multi-purpose gnome. First a complete scene, also a bisque gnome riding a sled, and a candle holder (you can see the hole for the candle in the front of the sled.)
