World's oldest Santa Claus figurine discovered dates back to 1884

Washington, December 21 (ANI): Archaeologists working in Akron, Ohio, claim to have found the world's oldest three-dimensional representation of Santa Claus, in the form of a figurine dating back to 1884.

According to a report in Discovery News, the 2.5 inches tall object, known as the "Blue Santa", was made circa 1884 by The American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Company.

"It's a wishing Santa. You hold it in your hand and wish for the present you want for Christmas," said Project leader Brian Graham.

Graham suspected such treasures existed at the company's location, now known as the "Lock 3 Park" archaeological site.

The former federal government archaeologist gained permission from the City of Akron to dig at what he calls "the original North Pole," due to all of the toys that were once made there.

"This was the birthplace of the modern toy industry," said Michael Cohill, director of the American Toy Marble Museum.

Aside from the tiny Santa, The American Marble and Toy Manufacturing Company also made the world's first mass-produced toys, namely, clay marbles and penny toys.

"So significant was the economy of scale that one penny could buy a handful of marbles or dozens of different penny toys. The Blue Santa was a penny toy," said Cohill. (ANI)