Elves are a type of humanoid supernatural being in Germanic mythology and folklore. They appear especially in North Germanic mythology, being mentioned in the Icelandic Poetic Edda and Snorri Sturluson’s Prose Edda. Reference: Wikipedia. Nowadays, most people associate elves with Christmas as Santa’s little helpers but many authors and artists have also depicted them throughout time.
Below are some examples and price guides of antiques and vintage items which depict elves including a Harry Potter House Elf coin and a Meissen figure of Oberon, king of the fairies.
England, c. 1925,
circular plate with edge to edge decoration in polychrome enamels and gilding, printed mark, dia. 10 5/8 in.
Sold for US$4,080 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
2021 Niue 1 oz Proof Gold Coin: Dobby the House Elf Harry Potter
Sold for US$3,100 at Golden Gate Auctioneer in 2023
2021 PEZ Gift Set w/Elf Dispenser & 6x 5g Silver Wafers
Sold for US$145 at 3 Kings Auction in 2023
Oberon, Meissen, after 1973, 1st choice, elf figure from the series Midsummer Night’s Dream, designed by Peter Strang in 1969, model no. 70698, polychrome painted and ornamental gilding, h. 40 cm
Sold for €3,000 at Historia Auctionata in 2023
1948 Whistle & 3-Elves Metal Sign TAC 8.25
Single sided tin (SST) embossed sign has extra color and shine. The border has been repainted and has a nail hole in elf’s ear. Dated 1948. Measures 18.5″ x 54.5″. Rated 8.25 by The Authentication Company (TAC #041914).
Sold for US$2,600 at Richmond Auctions in 2023