Rare Belsnickel Squeak Toy

Rare Belsnickel Squeak Toy, Germany, c. 1870, papier-mache standing figure with painted and molded red costume, grotesque molded facial features including large nose and chin with painted warts, wearing a rattan basket on his back, holding a molded papier-mache child with a bare bottom, being disciplined with one articulated arm holding a whip, atop original wood and leather bellows with working squeaker, ht. 6 in., (very good). Note: Belsnickel is a Christmas character of European derivation. He is derived from early pagan myths designed to keep children in line, coupled with Christian stories of St. Nicholas. This squeak toy is a rare form depicting an unusual Christmas character. very good