Who would have thought that a cost saving measure in 1939 would spawn the huge industry and collectibles market that exists today for Santa's favorite reindeer, Rudolph!
Everyone knows how he saved Christmas one foggy Christmas eve, but not many know just how Rudolph came to be.
In the 1930s the Montgomery Wards department store purchased and gave away children's coloring books to their customers as Christmas gifts. In 1939 they decided to save a little money and use the company staff to create their own comic book. The job fell to copywriter Robert May and his story was so popular that 2.4 million copies were handed out the first year.
Rudolph the Reindeer is quite collectible, both in the vintage pieces and currently produced items. Licensed ornaments have been made by Hallmark, Carlton and Radko, meanwhile there are any number generic pieces with a reindeer sporting a red nose.
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 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Book |  Rudolph Sheet Music |  Rudolph, a Little Golden Book |  Rudolph Pin |
 Rudolph Book |  American Bisque Rudolph Cookie Jar |  Enesco Rudolph Ornament |  Misfit Toys Water Pistol |
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- Text Index