How the Adent calendar collection started:
The ritual of the advent calendar was not practiced in our family when I was young in the 1940s.
My first was given to me by a family member, who inherited this family Advent calendar from his mother, who was born in Germany.
I never had one before, knew about them, but had not paid much attention to them, but it was clear to me that it was an old one. He explained that there were 25 doors and that on December 1st  the number 1 door was opened to reveal, in this case, biblical text; the next day door no. 2 was opened, and so on, until on Christmas day it was door no. 25. I though that was a delightful ritual for the children in preparation of Christmas Day.
And that was the incentive to start a new collection line.

As much information is to be found on the internet, and several books have been published on the subject, I give here only a short history of the Advent calendar:
The Advent (from the Latin word Adventus meaning “coming”) is the period before Christmas, observed in many Western Christian churches. In this period Christians prepare for Christmas and the birth of Jesus. The liturgical year always begins on the Sunday that falls between November 27 and December 3,  and ends on December 24. The advent period comprises approximately four weeks and always has 4 Sundays, while the total number of weekdays range from 22 to 27.
The tradition of advent calendars can be traced back to the 19th century. One of the early practices was to put a chalk mark on a door for each day in December till Christmas Eve. Another was to light a candle every day, either on an Advent wreath or a chandelier. It seems that the first advent wreath has been invented by the Lutheran theologist, Johann Hinrich Wichern (1808-1881). In 1839 he used a wooden wheel with four large and nineteen small candles. During Advent, for each Sunday a large candle was lit, and for every other day a small one. Children could see how many more days till Christmas. Another relates the “Advent tree”, originating around the mid-19th century; at the start of the Advent period a conifer would be placed in the home and every day a prophecy of the Old Testament would be recited before putting a candle, together with a paper star on which the recited text was written. Around 1880 printed prophecies became available (model in the form of vine leaves has been found).
The first printed Advent calendar dates from 1902, some mention 1904, but it was after WW2 that mass production started.

The calendars are numbered and shown as they arrived in my collection and that is why they are not classified by illustrator or publisher, with the exception of the Barnens and Helmut Rudolph Adventscalendars.
Dimensions are of the design including the margins, which I realised later on, is not alltogether wise.

A1 Advent calendar, Santa with children and animals near a village. It is made of pressed cardboard (Prägedruck : embossed printing or relief printing), with doors to be opened, from 1 thru 24, published in 1935.
Dimensions  31 cm high, 38cm wide.
Ref. The book “Weihnachtszeit”, Bayerisches Nationalmuseum München, page  31.

A2 Stand-up advent calendar, depicting Maria and the Christchild with anges and animals in a wood. The two side flaps fold back; highlighted with glitter; no indication of country or printer, only the number "49" printed in the left bottom corner, while the back-page is numered "32".
Dimensions 41,5 cm wide x 23 cm high.

A5 Advent calendar, angels decorating a Christmas tree; highlighted with glitter.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Text in margin:
“Made in Switzerland” and “FRI (logo) SU 101”
Signed what I can make out to be “H. Schwarzler”.

Dimensions 23 cm x 31 cm.

A6 Stand-up 4-panel "Adventshauschen" advent calendar or advent house, with 28 windows, a door and 4 Christmas scenes in round transparant paper panels, design Carl Schmauk (1868-1947); on the front panel is printed “S.J.D. 7043” (St.Johannis-Drückerei).

Dimensions: the front and back panels are 20,2cm wide and the two side panels are 16,6cm wide; all are 25cm high; when a light is placed inside, the round panels light up.
A similar design is shown in the book “Weihnachtszeit” from the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in München, page 28, photo n°9, A10 in this collection.

I think that the date stamp on the envelope indicates 1935. I have another one, which I think is older because the back of the cardboard is dark brown, while this is a light cream color.

This calendar has been produced since 1926 and still available in 2009, but then under the ref. "sjd 27004 Germany", which seems is printed on the front (ref. Tina Peschel).

Also under Verlag: Verlag Johannis, ISBN: 9783501270042.

Text printed on the envelope of the above advent house.
It says that this is "Nr. 7043 Adventshauschen" in litho print.
High 24,5 cm and total width 73 cm.
Is from the “Verlag der St.-Johannis Druckerei, Dinglingen (Baden)”.

A7 Advent calendar, showing the front of a house with the windows and door numbered from 6 thru 24. It is called "Christkindleins Haus" ( "Christchild house" or "Christmas house").
Signed “Ru.LM 355” (Reichhold und Lang München).
Being more decorated with angels and greenery, it is a variation of the well known advent calendar no. 955 designed by Dora Baum (1881-1949), shown in the book “Weihnachtszeit” Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in München, page 27, photo no. 6.
In the book "Adventskalender - von den Anfängen bis zur Gegenwart" by Esther Gajek, pg. 57, abb. 38, shows a version, also no angels, bearing ref. no. "355".

Probably of the 1930s.
Dimensions 16,3 cm x 23,9 cm.

See also in this collection A94.

A8 Advent calendar, dwarfs, angels and Christmas tree decorated with lebkuchen, called “Spielzeugbahn” (toy train); doors numbered 1 thru 24.
It bears the signature of Fritz Baumgarten (1883-1966) and the number “381” in the margin below right. Published by Korsch Verlag in 1951.
This calendar is without glitter, but I have seen some glittered.

Originally published by J.S.J. Wien in the 1930s, where the paper fanfold is without the images (Ref. “Der Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985” by Renate Knorr)

Dimensions 29,5 x 21,5 cm.

There are several calendars by F. Baumgarten in this collection: A8-A39-A41-A45-A88-A178-A179 and A197.

A9 Stand-up 5-panel advent calendar in the form of a nativity scene. It is highlighted with glitter and doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
It is signed bottom right corner something like “Lore H”(Lore Hummel) and on the bottom of the middle panel is printed “Haco 55” and “Printed in Western Germany”.
Total dimensions 58 x 27,5 cm.

A10 Stand-up 4-panel advent calendar or advent house; each panel 15,5 x 21,5 high. At the bottom is printed “S.J.D. 7019” and “Buchhandlung der Evangelischen Gesellschaft, Stuttgart”. Shown in the book “Weihnachtszeit” from the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in München, page 28, photo no. 9.

The numbering is behind the 28 windows, above the bible text. Starting Advent 1, one of the windows in the row is opened. The children should learn by heart the then appearing bible text on transparant paper. On the holy night, after all the windows are open, the door, with behind it the Baby Jezus in crib, is opened.

This calendar has been produced since 1926 and still is today (2007).

A11 Advent calendar, showing an advent wreath in front of a double door; doors numbered 1 thru 24.
Signed below right: Ri Pretzsch; printed below left:
“Arthur Beyerlein Kunstverlag Leipzig C1” and right “M302/Z 1718”.

I have not been able to find information on Ri Pretzsch; A. Beyerlein Kunstverlag seems to have become extinct.

Dimensions 25 x 25 cm.

A12 Advent calendar, 9-panel stand-up in the form of a nativity scene. Completely pulled out it is about 51 cm wide and 20,5 cm high. Highlighted with glitter and doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Below right is printed “Printed in US Zone Germany” and on the left “313”.
I have seen a similar one with a paper glued to the back explaining Advent and on this paper was printed “Made in Western Germany”; I do not know what was printed on the calendar itself.

A13 Advent calendar, called “Vorweihnachten”, 1942 edition, in the form of a book for hanging, pages numbered form 1-1a thru 32-32a, thereby totalling 64 sides plus cover; 1 thru 24 until Christmas with on the opposite page Christmas related items, and the additional pages with stories and riddles. This was published during WWII, and there are texts and pictures related to that, very distressing, period. But I believe a collection should represent all.
On the backcover is indicated that it was published by the NSDAP (Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei), Franz Eher Nachs., München. Druck: Waldheim-Eberle Nachs. M. Müller & Sohn, Wien.
Dimensions: 16 x 23 cm.
There is also a 1943 and a 1944 edition, which are slightly different.

A14 Advent calendar, showing a church with 5 unnumbered doors.
It is signed “F. Graf-Dreyer.” below right.
Below left is printed “…Graf-Dreyer: Adventskalender A.” and on the right “Gedrukt und verlegt vom Verlag für Volkskunst und Volksbildung, Richard Keutel, Lahr in Baden.”
On the back there is the text of the songs by "Frau Graf-Dreyer" for opening each door.
I am not sure it is an original, but this is the way I bought it on ebay without knowing it was so extensively damaged.

As all the doors were very clumsily replaced, I have removed all of them, thereby revealing what is behind them. When I have a color image where I can see which doors are the original ones, I can replace them.

Dimensions: 27,5 x 35,5 cm.

A15 Advent calendar which is part of the panorama book “Een boek voor de Kersttijd” (A book for Christmas Time), a Dutch version of Tasha Tudor’s 1979 edition.
Dimensions: closed 19,5 x 27,5 cm and open 38,5 x 27,5 cm.
The nativity scene in this book is shown in Chapter “Paper”, page Houses-Nativity as N17, on this site.

Other Advent calendars by Tasha Tudor :
- COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR, New York, Rand McNally, 1982.
- THE DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS, New York, Rand McNally, 1980, 11" x 25 1/2".
- LAPIN AND LAPIN, AN ADVENT CALENDAR FROM TASHA TUDOR,
Chicago, Rand McNally & Company, 1978, 11" x 25 1/2".
- Village fold-out advent calendar

A17 German “Frösi-Weihnachtskalender ” with “Schlüsselkarte zum Frösi-Adventskalender”(Christmas calendar with key card for Frösi advent calendar), supplement of the magazine “Fröhlich sein und singen” edition 1959, number 11. Junge Welt – Verlag für Zeitungen und Zeitschriften. Junge Welt was the official newspaper of the Freie Deutsche Jugend (FDJ; Free German Youth;
ref. Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_German_Youth).
The calendar consists of three parts:
- the front page : 1 thru 5 December to be cut out from the key page and to be pasted on this front page in the blank spaces.
- the inner part: 6 thru 24 December to be cut out and to be pasted on the uncolored figures.
- the back page: 25 thru 31 December to be cut out and to be pasted on this page in the blank spaces.

Artist would be Richard Hambach (born 1917).
Dimensions: closed 29,5 x 20,3 cm.
See A51 for another Frösi advent calendar.

A18 Advent calendar, design by Rolf Keller (June 5,1898 in Wurzen - December 31,1970 in Chemnitz, at that time called "Karl-Marx-Stadt"), showing a Christmas tree laden with lebkuchen and a snowy village and Santa in a sleight in the background; doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

In the left hand corner is the message “Trenne nach Weihnachten das Kalender-Rückblatt ab, es zeigt noch etwas Schönes” (after Christmas, if you remove the back page you will see something lovely).
It is signed “Rolf Keller”, barely visible, below in the left hand corner and below right on the back page. A very interesting article on Rolf Keller has recently been published and you can read it here.

On the back of the back page are, what I presume printer’s references “2 MDVK 1012” and “RK 20004 30. 6. 50 4000” together with a message to cut out the back page along the lines. The references indicate it was published in 1950.

Dimensions: 29,5 x 21 cm.

The logo above the name consists of a 2 and a 4.

Information about Rolf Keller supplied by Andreas Keller, and more on this artist you can find on his blog .

A19
Advent calendar, showing children at a Christmas market; doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 31 x 25 cm.
In the bottom right hand corner is printed “Dr.Trenkler – Verlag G.m.b.H. Leipzig 1182” (Printing firm 1894-1949 ?);
below left is the signature :

Artist : Toni Wagner-Schilffarth

See A118 by the same illustrator and printer.

A20
Advent calendar, depicting the well known Church of Seiffen.
Doors, numbered from 1 thru 24, said to be arranged in the form of the numbers of a clock. Under the doors are designs of toys made in the Erzgebirge area, famous for the production of wooden toys.
Highlights with silver glitter.
Underneath doors 14-13 is the name “R. Hinderks-Kutscher” (R. is for "Rotraut"; 14 December 1908-26 April 1986 ), an author and illustrator; below right is printed “Korsch Verlag” and logo; on the left “Made in Germany 11451”.

Dimensions: 29 x 29 cm.

First printed in 1966, in München, and published up to 1997, ref. “Advent! Advent!” by Dominik Wunderlin, from the “Museen und Archäologie” in Liestal, Switserland, page 19, and "Der Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985", page 72, no. 451.

Considering this is marked "11451" I believe this to be a later print.

A22 & A23 Two Advent calendars with glitter, each doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 28,3 x 20,3 cm.
These calendars come from a family in The Netherlands. They were part of an estate they inherited from an old aunt who had a shop, which certainly existed in the 1950s and closed down around 1985.
On the back of A22 is printed “47 Made in Western Germany” and on A23 “54” and on the cover sheet of both is printed the same text, which is peculiar because of the different graphics: “No. 851 © Made by Kruger in Western Germany”.
I have seen several advent calendars with identical graphics, sold in Germany, but with text “47 AFKH” and “54 AFKH” bottom left and thought to be of the 1950s. But AFKH being short for "Arthur Friedrich Krüger Hamburg", Krüger only moved to Hamburg in the 1960s!
Another AFKH advent calendar in this collection under A92.

The following information is available on the internet, but I cannot vouch for its correctness:
Arthur F. Krüger Verlag, Hamburg (later Intana / Venezuela).
Approximately 1913-1983? produced Advent calendars and greeting cards, from 1949 also glossy pictures (die cut scraps).
The company Krüger has not been around for some years.
Under "AFKH" usually double arches 21x 29 cm (ie 2x 21x15) glossy images were produced.
Later, as "Kruger" as far as known only the small arches 21x15 (A5).

A24 Advent Calendar, depicting “Vrouw Holle”, made of pressed cardboard (Prägedruck : embossed printing or relief printing). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 24,2 x 31,2cm.
As it is made in the same way and similar design as calendar A1, I presume it is also of the 1935 period together with calendar no. A21, but it could be later as this pressed cardboard was still used for calendar tops in the 1950s.
Publisher: HEROLD Verlag, Buchholz

See also A1 and A21.

A26 Advent calendar with angels decorating an advent wreath.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below left is printed “Erika No. 102” and below right “M.K. HEIDENAU 26”, dating it pre-1940. Motif similar to Erika 41.

The doors break off easily and therefore very few fully complete calendars remain.

Dimensions: 16,70 x 24,2cm.
Other Erika calendars under A134, A136, A146, A223 and A227.

A28 Pop-up advent calendar, the front cover with Santa and holly.
Open it shows Santa in a sleigh and many children and a house, with doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

It is marked in the top right corner “Copyright E.O. & Co. Nr 61.050 Printed in Sweden” (According to info found on the internet: Erik Olsson & Co., Sundbyberg/Solna, Sweden), and illustrator is Evalisa Agathon*, born 1921.

Probably dates from the 1950-60s ???

Dimensions closed: 25,3 x 33,5cm.

*ref. Mimmu Takalo from Finland.

A29 Pop-up advent calendar with on the front and the back Santa in a chimney with toys and a cat, inside many children and angels, a house with Santa climbing in the chimney. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
On the front cover is what could be a signature “S.P.Z.” and on the back cover are the printers information
“COPYRIGHT 6105 IF COPENHAGEN CARLSEN VERLAG GMBH–HAMBURG MADE IN DENMARK”.
Probably dates from the 1950-60s ??
Dimensions closed: 25 x 32,5cm.

New information ref. Finn D. Nielsen:
Calendar is designed by a danish couple, Jørgen and Ely Ploufmann (called themselves E.J. Ploufmann) and is probably made close to 1960. They made several in the 1960s..
You can see some more of their work on Finn's site, written in danish and on my "favorite sites" page is some more information on "Kravlenisser".

A32 Advent calendar of snow babies in a tree with lots of mushrooms beneath it. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Graphics by illustrator Hannes Petersen, signature at the left.
This is her artist name. Born in Berlin on July 21, 1885 as Johanna Helene Charlotte Schröder, and died on January 20, 1960, also in Berlin. She worked for about 25 publishing houses among others in Danmark, Belgium, France and USA. Most important publishing houses in Germany were Pittius Publishing House, where Frau Tucholsky worked as manager, Hermann Wolff Publishing House, AFKH - Artur F.Krüger, Hamburg and Wiechmann Publishing House, Starnberg near Munic.
Dimensions: 21,5 x  29,5cm



See also A90, A177 and A194; also A76

A33 Advent calendar with Santa and Disney figures.
Below left is printed: “© 1961/63 Walt Disney Productions m 20” and on the right “Printed in Germany”.
The “m” logo means that it is by Michel Verlag in Nürnberg.

This calendar was published pre-1971 as Korsch Verlag took over Michel Verlag in 1971. It was re-issued by Korsch Verlag in 1972, with and without glitter, Ref. Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 87, "200/201 - Weihnachtsmann in Eselskarre" (Santa Claus in donkey cart).

Dimensions: 43,6 x 30,7cm.

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

A35 Advent calendar with angels and a Christmas tree with below the text “Ehre sei Gott in der höhe !” (Honor to God in the highest (heaven)). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
The illustrated angels are typical Erzgebirge made by Wendt & Kühn (ref. Mr. Peter Nicolaus).
In the margin below left is printed the designer’s information “Entwurf: Gesellschaft Graphik u. Kunst” and on the right probably the printer’s or publisher’s specifications “Merzdorf & Frosch, Saalfeld-S./0182 5704 30.5.49”. Maybe these last figures could mean that it dates from 1949, although considering the print it seems older to me.
Dimensions: 18,8 x 20,8cm.

A36 Advent calendar with children baking Christmas cookies. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below left is the signature, a letter “R” and in the margin is printed: “Flechsig-Adventkalender Nr. 7 “Weihnachtsbäckerei” (Christmas bakery) .
Dimensions: 21,8 x 30cm.

A37 Advent calendar angel ringing bell. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below right is the signature “Lore H.” (Lore Hummel) and in the margin below left is
printed “Made in West Germany” and on the right “029”.

Issued by Korsch Verlag in 1978/1979 with film taken over from HACO, and published up to 1985.

Dimensions: 20 x 28 cm.

Publication history:
a) Re “Der Korsch Verlag Adventskalender 1951-1985”, nr. 375, pg 25 and 155”
- M&B ref. 18375 in 1930s
- Korsch:
*Ref. 375: 1950 or 1951 published up to 1970
*Ref 522, with side trees added and yellow border, published in 1963
*Ref. 10375 in 1987
*Ref. 11689 published in 2007

b) another source:
In 2008 this calendar was published as new by Korsch Verlag under the title “Wichtels Poststation” (Dwarfs Post coach), dimensions 29 x 39cm and with a red border (Ebay).

I believe this would be ref. 375, published 1950-1970.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 21 cm.

A42 Advent calendar with a chapel and dwarfs and animals in a wood, and a banner “Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe”. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below left is printed “M & F. Q132 gen. Kdt?. 27.5.48” (*) and on the right “Entwurf: Gesellschaft Graphic & Kunst”.
Dimensions: 26 x 21 cm.

(*) Note: “M & F” could be “Merzdorf & Frosch” – compare with A35.

A45 Advent calendar, designed by Fritz Baumgarten (1883-1966), with a Hansel and Gretel scene with the witch and dwarfs around a “lebkuchen” house. It is called “Knusperhäuschen” (Gingerbread House). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Baumgarten’s signature is below right and in the border, left hand side “Leipziger Adventskalender Nr. 18374” and on the right “MEISSNER & BUCH (logo) LEIPZIG  O 03 / Z 3342”
Published in the 1930s.

Dimensions: 29,8 x 21,2 cm.

Publishing history, re “Der Korsch Verlag Adventkalender von 1951 bis 1985”:
*M&B ref. 18374 in the 1930s
*Korsch Verlag:
- ref. 374 in 1950 or 1951 and published up to 1962
- ref. 521 in 1963 stand-up version with trees added on each side
- ref. 10374 in 1986

A47 Advent calendar showing a house with a star, angels and children. Doors numbered from 6 thru 24, meaning that the opening started on St. Nicolas day.
No printer’s indication, but signed below left the monogram “AR”, and below right the signature “A. Rebmann”. According to the November 2004-January 2005 exhibition in Museum Voswinckelshof, Dinslaken in Germany, this calendar dates from around 1950. No designer's name was given.
Dimensions: 14,6 x 20,8 cm.

A48 Advent calendar with Walt Disney’s Dumbo as main theme in the circus, together with other of his characters, glitter highlights. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Below, in the left hand corner is printed “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 32 A. KORSCH VERLAG . MÜNCHEN . Made in W.-Germany”. It was published in 1973, with and without glitter, ref. Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 98, "320/321 - Im Zirkus" (in the circus).

Korsch Verlag published Walt Disney calendars between 1971-1980, some mention 1985. I presume Michel Verlag probably published this calendar under the ref. "m32".

Dimensions: 43 x 30 cm.

Photo has been taken with calendar in its plastic cover, which has some effect on the result.

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

A49 Advent calendar with Walt Disney’s Pinocchio and Gepetto as main theme, together with other Disney characters, with glitter highlights. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Below, in the left hand corner is printed “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 22 A. KORSCH VERLAG . MÜNCHEN . Made in W.-Germany” and published in 1972, with and without glitter.

Korsch Verlag published Walt Disney calendars between 1971-1980, some mention 1985. Michel Kunstverlag's reference is also "22".

Dimensions: 43 x 30 cm.
Photo has been taken with calendar in its plastic cover, which has some effect on the result.

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

This is the advent calendar with the same main theme, but only half of the scene, and with the ref. no. “222”, total marking reading "© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 222 A. KORSCH VERLAG . MÜNCHEN . Printed in West Germany

It has been cut down to size A4.

This complies with the information in the book Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 88, "220/221 - Weihnachtsmann im Weihnachtszimmer" (Santa Claus in the Christmas room), under Michel 22 and Korsch Verlag no. 222, size A4.

Note: Image is of the internet, for info only.

A50 Advent calendar in the form of a house, so-called “Adventshaus”, consisting of 4 panels. The inside is covered with thin red paper with bible text, which can be read when the doors are opened. When set up a lit candle is put inside and the light shines through the windows. Doors numbered from 1 thru 25. Design by Ruthild Busch-Schumann (1900-1989), signature bottom right, and at the left “Nr. 7102  St-Johannis-Druckerei  Lahr-Dinglingen”, the publisher. Period: 1935.
Dimensions: each panel 11,7 wide x 14,7cm high.

A51 Advent calendar, supplement of the children’s magazine “Frösi”, 1956 edition, November number.
It was the custom to have an advent calendar in the November edition.
Artist: Richard Hambach, born 1917.
Dimensions: closed  29 x 21,5 cm.

Info from Wikipedia: FRÖSI is the name of a children's magazine which was very famous in the German Democratic Republic. It was the magazine for members of the Erns Thälman Pioneer Organisation. The word FRÖSI comes from the first line of the at that time popular pioneer song "Fröhlich sein und singen" ("Being happy and sing"). This title in full length was used until 1965, then the short form replaced it. The first edition was released on June 25, 1953. At first it was published every 6 weeks, from 1956 monthly.
Many children and teenagers read the magazine in the GDR, it was always sold out quickly. A reason was the very creative and interesting, originally and individual presentation. The magazine included Comics, articles about nature, science and technology and more. It was also popular because of the gimmicks.
The magazine was also recommended by many teachers.
In 1990 it was renamed as tandem. In March 1991 it was discontinued.
In June 2002 Neues Deutschland tried to reanimate the magazine with a single edition of FRÖSI as a gimmick in the news paper. In May 2005 the FRÖSI started again as a monthly magazine. But only some months, it was discontinued again in November 2005.

See A17 for another Frösi advent calendar.

A52 Dutch advent calendar, called “Op weg naar de Kribbe” (on the way to the manger) in the form of a spiral booklet.
It is Dutch and was published by Cantecleer/De Bilt in the 1960s. On the back of the cover page it says “Copyright 1960 Verlag Ernst Kaufmann, Lahr/Schwarzwald, Germany. Original title: Der Weg zur Krippe”. Text from Heidrich Hoffmann, drawings from Reinhard Herrmann.” (1923-2002) . It is still being sold e.g. “Ernst Kaufmann Verlag, 1997, 50 Blatt, 3-7806-0517-1” and “(1960/1972),
52 Seiten, durchgehend farbig illustriert, kartoniert, Format 29,7 x 21 cm” on the same site.
On the front page it says that with the pictures in this advent calendar you can make a wonderful Christmas group and the stories are to be read.
The calendar starts with “24 days before Christmas”, the next page with “23 days before Christmas” followed by a page with an angel to be cut out, page with “22 days before Christmas” is followed by a page with a star, etc. up to the last page with “Christmas eve” and the cut-out page with baby Jesus and a lam.
The back of the cover page shows a picture of the finished nativity scene.
Dimensions calendar: 24 x 17 cm.

There are also English versions, called “A Christmas Crib Book”, "Translated from the German Der Weg zur Krippe by W.K. Holmes":

The one shown here is marked "The story of Christ's coming - a cut-out Advent calendar by Reinhard Herrmann and Friedrich Hoffmann - Blackie"


Text :
Originally published in W.-Germany by Verlag Ernst Kaufmann Lahr/Scharzwald under the title: Der Weg zur Krippe ©1960
This edition of A Christmas Crib Book Copyright © 1961 by Blackie & Son Ltd.
Printed in Western-Germany
Merry Thoughts, Inc., Bedford Hills, N.Y. 10507.

Another one, the same text as above, except :

Printed in Western-Germany Blackie & Son Ltd., London and Glasgow - Merry Thoughts, Inc., Pelham, Hew York, 10803

A53 Advent calendar described as “Im Weihnachtsland”, meaning “In Christmas Country”. There are clouds with children and angels and with Santa Claus on a cloud top right, all above a city from which a ladder leads to the Christmas Land. It has been decorated with glitter, now turned a dark gray. Doors numbered from  1 thru 24.
It bears below right Kurt Brandes’ monogram (1905-1977), see A96 for full signature) and the letters of the publisher “J.S.J/W” (Josef Schneider Junior, Wien). On the back is stamped “Made in Austria”, so this would be an early print by Josef Schneider.

It was re-published by Korsch Verlag in 1957, prossibly under the ref. 418, “Im Weihnachtshimmel” (In Christmas Heaven) and was published up to 1978. In 1987 a new version was issued under ref. 10418 and published up to 1988.
In the book “Der Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985”, pg. 49, image 417, it is shown without the “J.S.J./W” logo, so this is Korsch’s print.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 27,5 cm.

Other calendars by Kurt Brandes in this collection : A54, A74, A96, A159, A160, A185.

A54 Advent calendar described as “Regenbogenrutsche” (rainbow slide). The illustration, it seems also by Kurt Brandes (1905-1977), is very similar to the previous advent calendar. Angels and Santa on clouds with the rainbow going down into a town at night. Also enhanced with glitter.
Bottom right corner is Kurt Brandes' monogram and in the margin “Printed in Germany” and left a logo “M” (Michel Kunstverlag, Nürnberg) and “78”. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dates from around 1957.
Dimensions: 30 x 30 cm.
Other calendars by Kurt Brandes in this collection : A53, A74, A96, A159, A160, A185.

A55  “Münchener Weihnachts-kalender” by Jos Mauder (1844-1969), titled “Bilder-Album wie Peter und Liesel das Christkind suchten” (picture album as Peter and Liesel look for the Christ child), published by Reichold & Lang, München 25, as printed on the calendar board.
The calendar block was attached to a strong cardboard, marked "302", with on the back a list of the then available R & Lang advent calendars.
This is the booklet, marked "303" in which the pages of the tear-off calendar are pasted. Each day, starting December 1, a page was torn off and pasted in the book, to end with December 24.
Dimensions:
The board: 12 x 18cm
The booklet: 12 x 18,8cm
Pictures: 5 x 7,1cm.

A56 Panoramic advent calendar “Kleine Stadt im Mondschein” (Small Town in Moonlight). This version was published by Sellmer verlag in 1954, and it is now available as a reprint under panoramic no. 140.
It shows an idyllic old town at night with people still about and, on the right, Santa going over the bridge. Enhanced with glitter, now turned dark grey.
Below, in the corner left there is a designer's signature “Kaiser”, with in the margin “Made in Germany US Zone”.
I have not found any information on Ms Kaiser, but it seems she is still living.
Right, in the margin, is Sellmer’s logo and “Copyright 1954 by Sellmer Verlag Stuttgart-Rohr”.
Dimensions: 68,8 x 21,5 cm.

A57 Advent calendar, design by Else Koch, a writer of children books.
Santa Claus with his sack spilling toys etc. in a snowy landscape with children and an angel.
Below right is the signature and probably publisher’s reference “M 307 – Z 6175”, while below left is the publisher's logo "AL" (Großvertrieb Berlin Tempelhof ( rd. 1950 ) and
the reference “Best.- Nr. 2”.

Doors are numbered from 1 thru 24.

Advent calendar A114 is by the same artist and publisher.

Dimensions: 21.3 x 29.5 cm.

A58 This is a panoramic stand-up advent calendar, published under the name "Die kleine Stadt" (The little Town), in 1946. It was Sellmer’s first Advent calendar after WW2. The shop names were in German, while on my calendar the names are in English, so this is the version for the American market. As in the bottom right margin is printed “Made in Germany US zone”,  one could conclude that it dates from 1945-1949. But I have seen another Sellmer calendar with US zone and copyright 1954.
In Newsweek magazine a picture of President Eisenhower’s grand children with this advent calendar was published at the time. A member of the Sellmer Verlag was kind enough to let me know that this is the English version and only available in the U.S. This calendar was published in German, English and Swedish, but there is no record which version was printed first. I cannot see the date of Newsweek.
Design by Elisabeth Lörcher (1898-1960s?).
Doors are numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 68,7 x 21,5 cm.

A58B This is the German version of “Die kleine Stadt”, and Sellmer's first calendar after WW2, published in 1946. Texts are in German and while on the American version only the Sellmer logo is on the front of the first house from the left, on the German version the following text is added: “VERLAG v. R.SELLMER  STUTTGART ROHR”, while for the “POST”, the words “Office” have been left off.
Design by Elisabeth Lörcher (1898-1960s?).
Dimensions: 69,3 x 21,5cm.

Also, it is now available as a reprint.

A59 Advent calendar “Haus im Mondschein” (House in Moonlight). In the DVD of the exhibition in the Museum Voswinckelshof it is called “Engel auf den Dach” (Angel on the roof) dated 1935.
It is a house with angels and windows, numbered from 1 thru 23, and the door is number 24. The printing technique used is lithography, but on the back sheet one can read, very faintly and in mirror writing  “Offsetdruck G Carl Jörg Coburg”.
It would date from the 1930s, although this needs more investigation as offset printing was only extensively used starting in the 1950s.
According to info on the internet it was printed in 1935 (www.weihnachten.net).

Another, quite acceptable information is that, judging by the artwork and printing technique, it was designed in the 1930s but due to WW2 finalized in the 1940s (ref. Peter Nicolaus).

Dimensions: 19 x 25 cm.

A61 Three-fold stand-up Walt Disney advent calendar.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The back shows the Donald Duck family, while the fold-out shows besides Duck, also Mickey Mouse, Dumbo and one Little Pig chimney sweep.
On the back, in the bottom right corner is printed “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 101 (logo m) MICHEL KUNSTVERLAG – NÜRNBERG 23 – Printed in Germany”.
According to information about this calendar it seems that only a few copies were sold and was not very popular and too expensive.
It could date from the mid-1960s.

The one shown in the book “Der Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985”, pg.83, item 101, where it is described as "101 - Weihnachtssingen" (Christmas carol), being published in 1972, only lacquered, Michel’s reference 101.

Dimensions closed: 29,5 x 21,5 cm.

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

A62 Three-fold advertising leaflet  from the firm Haeberlein-Metzger, promoting Lebkuchen and other sweets, in tins, boxes and in Hexenhäuschen (witch houses), Adventshäuschen (advent houses)and Adventskalender (advent calendar) filled with biscuits, chocolat or sweets.
According to information found in the Advent Calendar exhibition held in the Museum Voswinckelshof, Dinslaken, Germany, in 2004-2005, this leaflet dates from the 1950s.
The Haeberlein tradition can be traced back to 1492; the Metzger brand was first documented in 1586. The two companies merged on June 5th, 1920.

A63 Advent calendar titled ‘Bald ist Weihnachtstag’ (soon it is Christmas Day). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
I cannot find any signature, but on the back there is printed information/advertisement for two children games, plus the following publisher and printer information:

Gen. WIM NRW – B III a – 17-25.Nr. 1679 vom 31.5.48   Herausgeber : Heinrich Borgmann, Dortmund  Druck : Fritz Busche Druckereiges. M.b.H., Dortmund / 7. 48

This means it is from 1948.
The printer is still active today, and still in Dortmund; about the publisher I have not found any information.
Dimensions: 21,5 x 27cm.

A64 Krüger Advent calendar, with doors numbered from 1 thru 24. A snowy scene with a church and angels on a gold background. The decoration is in relief printing.
There is no signature, but on the back is printed the Krüger information and at the top the number ‘442’. Notice that this one has reference No. 860, while the two next ones have the same reference No.860/1.
Dimensions: 29,7 x 29,5 cm.

A65 Krüger advent calendar with a Santa  train and angels on a gold background.
The decoration is in relief printing.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below right is a signature ‘Frankie’ in white.
On the back is the Krüger reference, No. 860/1 and the number ‘12941’.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 28,5 cm.

Other calendars signed Frankie: A66-A89-A222

A66 Krüger advent calendar with a Christmas market and children on a gold background. The decoration is also in relief printing.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Below right is a signature ‘Frankie’ in white.
On the back is the Krüger reference, No. 860/1 and the number ‘12943’.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 28,5 cm.

Other calendars signed Frankie: A65-A89-A222

A89 Krüger Advent calendar with angels flying from the sky to a Christmas tree and Baby Jesus, on a gold background. Decoration also in slight relief.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Below is also the signature in white „Frankie“.
On the back is again printed, “860/1 © Made by Krüger in Western Germany” and at the top the number “12940”.
Dimensions: 29.5 x 28,5cm.

Other calendars signed Frankie: A65-A66-A222

A69 Advent calendar called “Fairy Tales”, with a village in the snow with dwarfs and “lebkuchen” house. At the bottom is a banner, reading “Wake up, wake up, little fairy folk, come out of your hiding places. Doors and windows open wide, usher in the blessed Christmas-Tide!”
In the left corner is the designer’s signature “E. Lörcher” (1898-1960s?), and in the margin “Made in US Zone Germany” with the Richard Sellmer Verlag logo.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
An inclosed yellow leaflet in English with instructions and the very amusing addition “He who looks behind a door or window before it is their turn will get a reprimand from Father Christmas and steal his own daily pleasure.”, the list of fairy tales and “Made in Stuttgart-Rohr, Germany US Zone”.
The envelope is decorated with greenery and angels and “FAIRY TALES  MADE IN GERMANY US. ZONE”.
This is the version for the American Market.
Dimensions: 40 x 29,3 cm.

A70 Advent calendar, “Märchen-Rätsel-Kalender”, the German version of A69. Identical graphics, with the exception of the german text in the banner and text in the banner of house “12”. Also the text "Made in US Zone Germany" is not on the calendar, only on the envelope. It is also not visible on the example printed on the envelope. The envelope has text in German and English, listing the fairy tales in English only; could be used for the two languages, and the Sellmer logo. On the envelope is pencilled "S 12.10.56 nr.20 D.M. 1,-".

In Sellmer's advent calendar list it is noted being of the 50s, which does corresponds with the note on the envelope.

A72 “Advents=Häuschen” (Advent House). The front of this album had the bloc with the 24 tear-off sheets attached to the door. Where it was it is damaged. The top sheet of the calendar, duplicate of the door, has been glued to the inside of the cover. I have seen this practice with other tear-off calendars. On this top sheet is printed “Ein Bilder=Märchen für die Weihnachtszeit vom 1. bis 25. Dezember” (fairytale images for the Christmas period 1 to 25 December). As far as I can understand it tells the story of the adventures of Hans, Liesel and their dog Schupp. For 20 days they walk through the forest of fairytales, among which I recognize the Land of the Goblins, Santa, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Mother Hulda. On day 21 they are lost and homesick. An angel finds them, with whom they fly through the starry sky back home, where the bright Christmas tree awaits them.

The front bears the illustrator’s name “Rita Pauer” or "Rita Paver"? I have not found any specs on this illustrator.


Ref. the CD of the "Ausstellung Adventskalender 28.November 2004-16.Januar 2005 in the Museum Voswinckelshof, Dinslaken" under no. 21, it is dated of 1930.

Dimensions closed: 21,5 x 30,5cm.

A73 Another Walt Disney advent calendar, this time with Snow White and the seven dwarfs, with silver glitter highlights, now turned dark grey. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
In the left bottom corner is printed “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 35 – MICHEL KUNSTVERLAG – MUNCHEN – Printed in Germany”. Probably it dates from the 1960s.

Korsch Verlag re-issued it in 1974, with film taken over from Michel Verlag, with and without glitter, ref. "Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985", pg. 103, "350/351 - Schneewittchen” (Snow White).

Dimensions: 43 x 30,5 cm.

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

A75 Very attractive advent calendar of Santa and angels in the snow. There is no mention of illustrator, publisher or country, but according to the CD of the Exhibition “Adventkalender”, 28 November 2004 – 16 January 2005 in the Museum Voswinckelshof, Dinslaken, it is called “Der Weihnachtsmann kommt ins Dorf” (Father Christmas comes in the Village), Meindl & Kittsteiner, München, about 1935.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 30 x 21,50cm.

Update September 2013: regularly this calendar is being offered on ebay, sometimes as being original of the 1930/40s. It seems this is correct and that they come from an old stock.
Update April 2016: This is confirmed by an offer on the internet, ZVAB, of only the cover page, without the back page, of this calendar.

A76 Advent calendar of Santa with sleigh in the woods, heavily glittered, below right signed, very very light "Hannes Petersen". The only publisher’s indication is on the back “14 Printed in Germany/importé d’Allemagne” (Publisher AFKH Nr. 14) (Arthur F. Krüger Verlag).
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 20 x 28cm.

Update June 2012: I have seen another with a more distinct signature of Hannes Petersen.
See also A90, A177 and A194 for Petersen's calendars.

A77  “Salamander” Advent calendar, showing Santa on a pony with angels and dwarfs at the dwarfs’ house. It has been issued by the firm “Salamander, Berlin SW 29, Kottbusser Damm 81/82”. In the bottom margin, on the left, is printed “Imprimé en Allemagne”. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 24 x 18cm.

In the folder of an exhibition the same advent calendar is shown, but the text on the wooden post reads "Salamander-Alleinverkauf SCHUHHAUS OBSEN Bad Schwartau", but has also "Imprimé en Allemagne" in the margin. Design by Heinz Schubel, published by Salamander AG,Kornwestheim, 1954.

German artist Heinz Schubel (1906-1997) was the longtime illustrator of 'Lurchi', a well-known series of illustrated advertising stories for the Salamander shoe firm.

A78 Fold-out, three-dimensional Walt Disney advent calendar with many of his characters. When the lever on the right is pulled the see-saw with Mickey and Dumbo goes up and down and Santa moves from left to the right. It is marked “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS, GEMO logo, MADE IN DENMARK COPYRIGHT 7552, JOENSEN KRUCKOW HJALMAR WALDORFF logo”.
Doors are numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: approx. 40,5 x 33cm and 8,5 fold-out.

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

Hamish Hamilton Christmas Cards and Advent Calendars
These are the first advent calendars published in the United Kingdom by Hamish Hamilton Limited, British book publishing house.
In 1953 they approached Dorothy Sayers with the idea of creating an illustrated Christmas card. The cards would be designed for commercial sales, and geared towards children in particular. D. Sayers agreed to provide the text and after the first card was published for Christmas 1953, The Days of Christ’s Coming, collaboration continued between D. Sayers and Hamilton for several more, The Story of Easter, The Story of Noach’s Ark, The Story of Adam and Christ.
Others were published, but texts by Enid Blyton: Christmas Story, Elizabeth Goudge: David, the Shepherd Boy, R.J. Cruikshank: A Christmas Carol, and The Days before Christmas, no author, only illustrator F. Wegner mentioned.
Illustrations by B. Biro and Fritz Wegner.
There is an unpublished one, called “The Enchanted Garden”, intended to become a Christmas card.
Commonly known as the “Advent cards”, seven of them contain illustrations with small numbered doors, like an advent calendar, which are opened to reveal scenes behind each.

The Days of Christ’s Coming was later published as a book in London by Hamish Hamilton in 1960.

Publishing dates given are in my opinion not all correct as some are contradictory, but I do believe they are all in the 1950s.

Dorothy Sayers: British author, 1893-1957.
Fritz Wegner: illustrator, born in Vienna, Austria, in 1924, naturalized British subject.
Enid Blyton: a very successful children’s writer, England 1897-1968.
Elizabeth Goudge: English author of novels, short stories and children’s books, April 24, 1900-April 1, 1984.
R.J. Cruikshank: Robert James; journalist, April 19, 1898-May 14, 1956.
B. Biro: Stephen Balint ("Val") Biro; October 6, 1921, born in Budapest, Hungary, and in 1939 came to England, children's author, artist and illustrator.

A79 I bought this, thinking it was a Christmas advent calendar ‘The Story of Easter’, although I was a bit confused about the title, told by Dorothy L. Sayers (British author, 1893-1957). The picture painted by B. Biro. Published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd., 90 Great Russell Street, London W.C.1, in 1955.
On the cover it also says “There are 27 numbered doors to be opened as you follow the story”, and indeed, in the text the door to be opened is between brackets.
It is a booklet with three pages text, one page with the doors and one page with the pictures behind the doors.
On the back of the booklet is a list of other publications in this series: The Days before Christmas, The Days of Christ’s Coming, Enid Blyton’s Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, The Story of David (David The Shepherd Boy), and The Story of Adam and Christ (with numbers, but no doors); the publishing company is repeated; Printed in England; The Haycock Press Ltd., London,S.E.5.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 19,2cm, the back somewhat wider.

A80 This is ‘The Days of Christ’s Coming’, published in 1953. It has three pages with text and one page with the calendar doors; the pictures behind the doors seem to be have been printed on the inside of the back cover.
On the cover are the instructions “The picture inside has twenty-seven doors for you to open as the story goes along. You can start on the fourteenth of December and open one door every day until the seventh of January. If you start earlier or later than this, remember that the Stable Door (door 12) is the one that opens on CHRISTMAS DAY.”
The picture painted by Friz Wegner, the story told by Dorothy L. Sayers. Published by Hamish Hamilton, Ltd., 90 Great Russell Street, London, W.C.1. There is no information on the back.
Dimensions: appr. 29,2 x 19,2cm.

A81  This is another advent calendar of the Hamilton series, Enid Blyton’s “Christmas Story”, illustrated by Fritz Wegner, published in 1953. Again it has three pages text, with numbers from 1 thru 25 referring to the calendar doors. The advent calendar is decorated with glitter. As the other calendars do not have this glitter, I thought this was not necessarily original and could have been added by one of the former owners. But two others have come to light and also with the glitter and in the same places, making the application of the glitter original (thank you Carolyn for sharing this information with us; John Strieb also has one, purchased in the 1950s, also with glitter).
No text on the back.
Enid Blyton is a very successful children’s writer, England 1897-1968.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 19,7cm.

A82 This is “The Story of Noah’s Ark”, retold by Dorothy L. Sayers and illustrated again by Fritz Wegner. It is another of the Hamish Hamilton calendar card series, published in 1956. Three pages text and one page with the picture with the doors to be opened; they are not numbered. On the back is printed “Printed in England by Harrison & Sons Ltd., London, Hayes & High Wycombe”.
Dimensions: 20 x 29,5cm.

A83 This is “The Days before Christmas” by Fritz Wegner and it is another of the Hamish Hamilton calendar card series, published in the 1950s. Doors numbered from 1 thru 25.
The one page text gives a description of the image behind each door.
Published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, 90 Great Russell St, London W.C.1.; no text on the back.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 20cm.

A84 This is another of the Hamilton calendar card series, “A Christmas Carol”, adapted from the well known Charles Dickens’ story by R.J. Cruikshank, picture by Fritz Wegner.
There are twelve doors, numbered from 1 thru 12, to be opened daily as you follow the story and the last one, no. 12, should be opened on Christmas Day.
Published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd., 90 Great Russell Street London W.C.I. On the back is printed “Printed in England by Harrison & Sons Ltd., London, Hayes & High Wycombe". Published in the 1950s, but cannot find exact date.
Dimensions:29,3 x 19,5cm.

A86 “The Story of Adam and Christ” is another of the Hamish Hamilton Christmas cards series; it is not a Christmas calendar with doors to be opened, but there are 27 verses corresponding to 27 numbered panels:

The verses are written by Dorothy L. Sayers, the window by Fritz Wegner, published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd 90 Great Russel Street London W.C.I; on the back is printed “Printed in England by Harrison & Sons Ltd., London, Hayes & High Wycombe.
Published in 1955.
Dimensions: width 3 x 19,6cm and 29,3cm high.

A87 Advent calendar of a town on Christmas Eve, recognizing the star above a stable, designed by illustrator Gudrun Keussen (1920-2006). In German it is called “Das Weihnachtsstädlein”, for which I cannot find the exact  translation. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24; behind door no. 6 is a St. Nicholas.
On the back is printed “Nr.540 . © 1956 by Verlag Ars sacra Joseph Mueller, Munich (Germany)”. It seems this was Keussen's first advent calendar, published for the first time in 1954, and was re-issued several times, ref. Esther Gajek’s Adventskalender, pg. 92-93. Peculiarity is that the calendar portrayed in this book has the text printed in the front margin, bottom right corner, while this calendar has it printed on the back. Another calendar by Gudrun Keussen in this collection, A60, is not as old, certainly when comparing paper and cardboard quality, size and colors.
Dimensions: 39,2 x 28,6cm.

See also adventcalendars A125, A144 and A150.

A88 Advent calendar of dwarfs in the woods with in the centre St. Nicolaus’s house by the well known illustrator Fritz Baumgarten (1883-1966), whose monogram is in the bottom right corner. The only publisher’s or printer’s reference is the number “382” in the margin at the right bottom corner, probably by Korsch Verlag in 1951.
It is called “Himmelsmusik” (heaven music).

Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

The only publisher’s or printer’s reference is the number “382” in the margin at the right bottom corner.

-Ref. Esther Gajek’s Adventkalender, pg. 116, it is called “Himmelsmusik” (music from heaven), Adolf Korsch Verlag, Nr. 382, München, 1952.
-Ref. “Der Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985” it was first published by Meissner & Buch under ref. 18382 in the 1930s. By Korsch Verlag with ref. 382 in 1951 and published up to 1972. In 1992 a new version was published, ref. 10382 and not bearing the lettering “Zum Nicolaus” above the door of the cottage, being published up to 1995.

Dimensions: 29,5 x 21cm.

A90  Advent calendar of angels carrying packages coming from windows in the clouds down a slide to Father Christmas. No indication of publisher or illustrator, but in the margin of the left bottom corner the number “3054”.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Design by Hannes Petersen; Publisher is Meissner & Buch, Leipzig; approx. 1935 (ref. Peter Nicolaus).
Dimensions: 21,2 x 29cm.

See also A32 , A177 and 194; see also A76.

A91 Stand-up advent calendar in the form of an angel, double sided; the wings are movable. Doors numbered from 1 thru 25 (Christmas day). On the back are printed the publisher’s name and reference „Copyright E.O. & Co.  nr. 68.086. Made in Sweden“ (According to info found on the internet: Erik Olsson & Co., Sundbyberg/Solna, Sweden).

A92 Advent calendar of Hansel and Gretel in the forest before the ginger bread house and angels. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
In the margin, below left, is printed “40 AFKH”; the number “40” is repeated on the back.
Dimensions: 28 x 20cm.

AFKH: The following information is available on the internet, but I cannot vouch for its correctness:
a) Arthur F. Krüger Verlag, Hamburg (later Intana / Venezuela).
Approximately 1913-1983? produced Advent calendars and greeting cards, from 1949 also glossy pictures (die cut scraps).
The company Krüger has not been around for some years.
Under "AFKH" usually double arches 21x 29 cm (i.e. 2x 21x15) glossy images were produced.
Later, as "Krüger" as far as known only the small arches 21x15 (A5)b).
b) Firm in Hamburg from 1920-1970; then they moved to Venezuela.

Several other Krüger advent calendars in this collection, a.o. A22 and 23, 64, ...

A93 Advent calendar manger scene with all the standard personalities.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below left is the monogram „WA“ or „AW“ and in the margin is printed „Günther-Kalender”, while on the left “15  Made in Germany”.
I have  not been able to find any information about publisher or artist.
Dimensions: 31 x 22cm.

A94 The Advent calendar called “Christkindleins Haus”. This is the version that can be filled with chocolates. Design is by Dora Baum (1881-1949) and in the advent calendar catalog of Reichhold & Lang München of 1938 it is shown under “Nr. 966 zum Füllen” (for filling). Doors numbered from 6 thru 24, and therefore also called a “Nikolaus-Kalender”; behind the first door, no. 6, there is St. Nicholas. See A7 for a variation in graphics, smaller size and no filling.
The envelope shows the picture behind door 24 and says “Münchener Weihnachtskalender Nikolauskalender/Adventskalender  Christindleins Haus”, followed by instructions in verse.
Dimensions: 24,5 x 32cm.

Other editions:
Nr. 366 : small version for filling
Nr. 955 : 24 x 27cm.
Nr. 355 : 16,5 x 24cm.
Nr. 355 : 16,3 x 23,6cm (A7, variation graphics)
Reprint early 1990s: 25 x 30/33cm.

A95 Advent calendar where the image is drawn in Santa’s beard, which is rather amusing. There are fairy tales, an advent wreath and “lebkuchen” hanging from the ceiling. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Illustrator is Rudolph Hanitzsch, signature below left corner, published by “KORSCH VERLAG Gilching vor München” and in the right hand corner “Made in West-Germany  10434”. This is the 1987 re-issue with a new film and published up to 1988.

It was for the first time published in 1958 with a film taken over from Meissner & Buch (ref. Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 56).

Dimensions:28,2 x 29,57cm.

There is also an illustrator "Dieter Hanitzsch".

See A153 for another calendar by this illustrator, but different signature.

A96 Advent calendar showing fairy tales. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. It is highlighted with glitter. Designed by the illustrator Kurt Brandes (1905-1977), signature in full below left.
Also “Made in Germany” and on the right “411”. No publisher’s name.

Ref. “Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985”, pg. 43, it was published in 1956 up to 1963; in 1986 a new version under the ref. 10411, published up to 1992.

Dimensions: 30 x 28,5cm.

Other calendars by Kurt Brandes in this collection : A53, A54, A74, A159, A160, A185.

A98 Advent calendar with Santa carrying a bag over his shoulder, angels and dwarfs with large tree, laden with snow. Below left is a monogram “WM” or “MW”; no publisher’s name or reference.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Dimensions: 20,7 x 29,8cm.


See A165 for a calendar with the same reference.

A99 Advent calendar included in the children’s booklet “Die Bunte Kiste” published 1950 by Jos. Scholz-Mainz Verlag. The two center pages are to be carefully removed by taking out the staples; the pages are to be held together, for instance with paperclips; the top and right side of the windows to be cut so that the left side can be folded open. The doors are numbered, starting at the bottom row, from December 6, St. Nicholas day, thru December 24.
The title page is designed by Else Wenz-Viëtor (1882-1973) and the back page by Charlotte Baron-Raabe, the advent calendar by Fritz Westenberger and the verses by Karin von Merhart.

A100 Tear-off Advent calendar consisting of a block of 24 sheets and a cardboard panel, on which 16 encircled numbers have been printed. A free translation of the instructions on the back of the cover sheet :

1. Cut out the figure of the daily calendar sheets (without stars and other additions) very carefully with a scissors and smear the back with paste or glue.
2. On the large calendar cardboard you will find for each day the place marked where the cut-out figure should go, and stick it there.
3. When you have done the series of December 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24, you will have a wonderful and colorful Advents picture, that will certainly give you much pleasure.

Below right is the illustrator's signature, Erika Henkel; according to information it was published by the Ratsdruckerei Chemnitz in 1948, ref. information shown on the website of the Toyshow Ausstellung Adventskalender.
Dimensions: 31 x 34cm; calendar block 6,7 x 9,7cm.
The picture on the right shows a completed version, made with copies of the calendar sheets.

A101 Advent calendar of people listening to “Kurrende Singers”: this comes from an old tradition in Germany when children, students or choristers, from poor families went from home to home in their district singing hyms. They were always boys and were given a few coins. They were called Kurrende Singers. It seems it goes back to the Reformation (17th c.). The word would come from the Latin “currere”, meaning walking or going. They were dressed, and still are, in black capes and flat black hats.
Presently the custom has not disappeared, boys are no longer specifically from poor families and girls are also participating. A boy’s choir that maintains this tradition today is the Wuppertaler Kurrende, but they are not the only ones.

Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. It has been litography printed on thin paper. No reference of publisher or designer. In the bottom left margin is printed “Adventskalender (Best-Nr. 30 R)”(means “Order No.”) and on the right „R25 365“.

In an exhibition in Germany it is described as “Kurrende-Sänger 1945-1949”.

Dimensions: 19,6 x 27,8cm.

A102 Advent Calendar of angels going up a ladder to heaven, in Germany called "Himmelstore" or "Himmelsleiter" (heaven gates or the sky ladder). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Very attractive graphics by illustrator Marigard Bantzer (1905-1999), as stated:

Text reads: "Weihnachtskalender von Marigard Bantzer + Verlag Dürer-Haus Marburg/L." In the right corner is also the ref. "No. 400". Dates from around 1930s.

Dimensions: 27 x 33,5cm.

See also A121 and A196.

Sunday School books with Advent calendars and Advent stories for young children in The Netherlands (Zondagschoolboekjes)
Part of the Christmas celebration in Sunday schools and churches was the presenting of Sunday School books to the (younger) youth. A tradition that was born around 1850 and still being practiced.
Many have been published, and there was also a series “25 (or 24) advent stories for young children”, published by Van Gorcum & Comp. N.V. – Dr. .J. Prakke & H.M.G. Prakke, Assen (The Netherlands). Author is Jacoba (Coos) Covens and sometimes co-author Dora van der Meiden-Coolsma.
Together with the book an advent calendar was printed and when opening door no. 1 it was the intention to read the first story, dated December 1, in the book, the last story being on December 25.

A105 Advent calendar no. 3 with the corresponding book with 25 advent stories "Op weg naar het Kindeke" (on the way to the Born Child) from The Netherlands, children of different origin bringing presents to the new born child.
Below right is the signature of the designer, Lies Veenhoven.
Below is printed in Dutch, translated: Netherlands’ Advent Calendar 3. Composed and designed by Coos Covens and Lies Veenhoven. With notification, translated: “On the way to the Born Child”, 25 Advent stories by Coos Covens. In cooperation with the NVVZ published by the Koninklijke Van Gorcum & Comp. N.V. (G.A. Hak & Dr. H.J. Prakke) – Assen.
Published in 1953.
Dimensions of the advent calendar: 24,5 x 32,5cm
NVVZ : Nederlandsche Vereeniging van Vrijzinnige Zondagsscholen (Netherlands' Association for Liberal Sunday Schools).

A106 This is the book that goes with Advent calendar no. 4.
It is titled “Ga je mee naar Bethlehem ?” (Are you coming to Bethlehem ?), 25 Advent stories for young children,
by Coos Covens; cover and illustrations by Lies Veenhoven; these Advent stories link to the Dutch Advent calendar no. 4. Series “Naar ‘t Zonlicht toe” No. 50, Van Gorcum & Comp. N.V. – G.A. Hak & Dr. H.J. Prakke,  Assen – MCMLV (1955)

A108 This is the book that goes with Advent calendar  no. 6.
It is titled “Zij verwachtten Hem” (They expected Him), 24 Advent stories by Coos Covens and Dora van der Meiden-Coolsma, illustrations by Corrie van der Baan.
These stories link to the Netherlands' Advent calendar no. 6, “Naar ‘t Zonlicht toe” No. 75,
Van Gorcum & Comp. N.V. – Dr. .J. Prakke & H.M.G. Prakke, Assen – MCMLXI (1961).

A109 Religious Advent calendar “The other Wise Man”, adapted from the story by Henry Van Dyke, published by Hallmark.
Text left and right from the centre top panel :

“What happened to the wise man
Who never found the Child,
Who never knelt beside the crib
To praise the Babe so mild ?
T’was Artaban the Magi
Who searched with eager heart
In hopes that he would find the Christ
And thus, his gift impart."

Doors numbered from 1 thru 24; behind the doors is text, telling the story of Artaban (I think). On the back are the instructions:
“The Other Wise Man
Beginning with number 1, look beneath a different picture each day until, on Christmas Eve, you come to the inspiring words the Lord spoke to the other wise man."
At the bottom there is the Hallmark logo and the ref.:
“100XC 2 -9 COPYRIGHT HALLMARK CARDS, INC.”

This calendar is advertised under “Hallmark cards of the month” in LIFE, 21 November 1955 for 0.50cents and $ 1.00 including envelope.

Dimensions: total 64,5 x 30,5cm high; each panel 21,5cm wide.
Other Hallmark calenders in this collection  A110, A157, A175, A176 and A193.

A110 Religious Advent calendar in the same series as the previous one, also published by Hallmark, with text in the banner:
“The Story of the First Christmas
Do you wish you’d been in Bethlehem
When Christ, our Lord was born?
Or that you’d been a wise man
Bearing gifts on Christmas morn?
Well, perhaps you can imagine,
As you see this map each day,
That you’ve really seen the manger
Where the baby Jesus lay!”.

Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, and again there is text behind them. The figures have been highlighted with gold. On the back also the instructions:
“The Story of The First Christmas
Beginning with Number 1 on December 1st, and Number 2 on December 2nd, look beneath another picture each day until on Christmas Eve you come to Bethlehem and the scene of the Christ Child’s birth.”

Also the Hallmark logo, but as ref.: “1 00 XC 2 2  COPYRIGHT HALL BROTHERS INC.”
As “Hall Brothers” became “Hallmark” in 1954, this calendar is published not later than 1954.
Apparantly the calendar was published after the name change because  I have had the same calendar with the ref.  “1 00 XC 2 2  COPYRIGHT HALLMARK CARDS, INC.”

Dimensions:  open: ca 60,8 x 30,5cm; closed: ca 20,5 x 30,5cm.

Other Hallmark calenders in this collection  A109, A157, A175, A176 and A193.

A111  “Advents-Fensterlein mit dem Weihnachtsspiel”, angels all going to a more or less gingerbread house. Below right there is the artist’s name, “Martha Wessels” and “Aladdin-Kinderfrueden” (children’s joy) and on the right “Rückseite abtrennen. Dann habt Ihr ein feines Weihnachtsspiel” (Remove the back. Then you will have a nice Christmas game), but what game is not mentioned and I do not want to remove the sheet. I have been told it is a dice game.
Help!Would love to have a picture of the dice game!
On the back sheet there is the publisher’s information “Hasenclever-Verlag GmbH., Düsseldorf 1948 – Aladdin-Kinderfreuden -  Gen. WiM-NRW – BIIIa-17-25 Nr. 1657 v. 15.5.48 Drück: W. Crüwell – R. 1. 9. 45, Dortmund – 48/10.000”
Dimensions: 20 x 27cm.

A112 Children, carrying lanterns and food filled baskets, on the way to the Stable. Numbered from 1 thru 24. Signed below right with the monogram “AR”, probably the artist Anita Rahlwes(s). In the margin the publisher’s/printer’s references: left is printed “G.04. 40 000 Dr. 6946” and on the right “NEUBERT CHEMNITZ Nr.3793”.

It is described in Dominik Wunderlin’s “Advent! Advent!”, page 42, as “Lichterumzug”
(light procession) and dated around 1950, but certainly before 1953 because then
the name of Chemnitz changed to Karl-Marx-Stadt.
Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

A114  Advent calendar showing the three wise men on their way to the stable. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Design by Else Koch, signature below right; publisher’s logo AL (Großvertrieb Berlin Tempelhof ) and ref. “Best.-Nr.4” below left.
Advent calendar no. 57 is by the same artist and publisher.
Dimensions: 19,5 x 27,5cm.

A115 Advent calendar with children admiring Baby Jesus in the stable and angels in the sky; it is highlighted with glitter; doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Design by Ursula Ortlieb, whose signature is below right, with in the margin”Made in Germany” and “pmb” (Paul Meyer Bremen), while below left the reference “Nr. 6”.
See advent calendar A34, A119, A173 and A174 by the same artist.
Dimensions:  20 x 30cm.

A119 Advent calendar, Christmas tree and angels, doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Design by the Ursula Ortlieb, whose signature is below right, with in the margin “Printed in Germany” and on the left logo “m” means Michel Kunstverlag, Nürnberg and the number “67”.
The calendar came with its original cellophane sleeve and included a leaflet with instructions how to use the calendar, also mentioning that it was “Printed exclusively for Alfred Mainzer, Inc. Long Island City New York” (logo ALMA).  Does this mean that the calendar was exclusively printed for the US ?
Advent calendars A34, A115, A173 and A174 are by the same artist.
Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

A120 Advent calendar “Im Märchenland zur Weihnachtszeit” (In Fairyland for Christmas). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Publisher’s reference “KWU Dresden Ratsdruckerei  D 03 1996 849 50.0” and in top right corner is “A. Jahn Dresden”, the illustrator. Characteristic are the star-shaped doors.
The KWU existed from 1945 till 1951, some mention 1954. Dimensions: 30,5 x 32cm.

See also A145 and A195 in this collection.

A121 Advent calendar “Die Himmelswiese" or "Wolkenkalender” (the sky meadow or clouds calendar), one of the most known by Marigard Bantzer (1905-1999)(ref. P. Nicolaus & Adventskalender, Geschichte und Geschichten aus 100 Jahren).
Doors  numbered from 1 thru 24. Below is printed:
“ADVENTSKALENDER VON MARIGARD BANTZER + VERLEGT BEI MAX VOIDT + MARBURG/LAHN”

Dimensions: 29 x 26cm.

See also A102 and A196.

A122 Advent calendar “Weihnachts-Uhr für Kinder” (Christmas hour for children) in the form of a clock with a dial and 24 biblical verses.
Published by the St. Johannis- Druckerei Dinglingen, Lahr (still active today), in 1922.
Dimensions: 22.5 x 29,5cm.

A123 Advent calendar with 6 small doors to be opened in the packages, numbered from 1 thru 24, a larger double door  no. 24, and a turntable. When turned to the date in the top window, pictures not only appear in the “packages” to be opened, but also in the TV screen.  On December 5 Santa appears in the TV, and on December 24 there is a lighted Christmas tree and after the double door 24 is a nativity scene.
The calendar is highlighted with silver glitter, now turned grey.

Below right is the monogram “H”, used by Rudolph Hanitzsch.
In the bottom left margin is “Printed in Western Germany” and on the right “678”, probably the publisher’s reference number.
According to information in the book “Advent, Advent, Advent” this calendar was published by Joseph Lang, Munich, in the 1960s.
Dimensions: 30cm x 29,50cm.

See calendar A123 with the same system and of the same series. I have seen another version with Santa, ref. 677.

A124 Advent calendar called “Pfefferkuchenhaus” (gingerbread house), design by Marianne Drechsel (b. 1923). It has 24 doors to be opened, numbered 1 thru 24, but there is no picture behind it, but a cavity that could be filled with sweets or small toys.
Below left the printer’s or publisher’s reference: “III/18/194-Ka1803/57”.
Dimensions: 31,8 x 31,5cm.

This calendar is still being produced today (2011), but with a white "foodsave plastic insert" instead of cardboard cavities.

A125 Advent calendar “Die Heilige Drei Könige” (The three Wise Men), enhanced with glitter. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.  In the bottom margin is “895 400”, probably printer’s or publisher’s  reference and “Für die kleinen Freunde der Raiffeisenbank”
(for the young friends of the Raiffeisenbank).

Design by the artist Gudrun Keussen (1920-2006) and first published by the Adolf Korsch Verlag under no. 387, in Munchen in 1952 up to 1983.
According to information given by Korsch Verlag, this edition however was printed for the Raifeisenbank in 1976 and also in 1983.

Dimensions: 29,5 x 21 cm.

See also adventcalendars A60, A87, A144 and A150.

A126   Advent calendar in the form of a Nativity pop-up.
The Advent calendar doors are on the roof, numbered from 1 thru 24, with biblical scenes (I think) behind them. When folded-up the front and the back show the night scene and "Merry Christmas" in different languages and the assembly instructions.
On the front is the signature “H-HF”, while on the back is the publisher’s name “COPYRIGHT JOHN BRADFORD LIMITED TORONTO, CANADA”.

According to the kind assistance of the City of Toronto Archives the earliest it could date is 1943, as this is the first year John Bradford appears as Limited.
Before then it appears as John Bradford Co. rather than Ltd.

The following information I have found on the internet, the earliest being 1968, registered under the ref. CA311580, status expunged, and “Red Farm Studio”;
CA357476, 1972-1976, status Registered, John Bradford Ltd. & Design, with terrestial globes logo.

Dimensions: closed: 27,5cm x 18,5cm, open: 27,5cm x 29,5cm, top of palm tree included.
Is also shown under the Nativity sections, under N41.

More Help! needed here please.

signature.

It appears that this calendar, purchased in 1965, was also produced in Denmark.

A127 Advent calendar “Fröhliche Weihnacht” (Merry Christmas), attractive design with angels and clouds, and woolly babyface-lams falling to earth like snow. Doors to be opened, numbered from 1 thru 24.
Printed on rather thin paper.
At the bottom is either the printer’s or publisher’s reference “038 KÜLPER, ERFURT 16988” and the signature  “LG” or “BG” or "L Oj" ?
Help! needed here please.

Dimensions: 26cm x 34cm.

: Signature of L. Grewen (?)

: Printer or Publisher's ref.

A128 Advent calendar “Santa Pilot” because of the “Rosinenbomber”, being the
so-called “candy bomber” or “raisin bomber”, used by the western allies to bring in supplies to the western part of Berlin during the Berlin blockade in 1948/49.
There are 24 doors, numbered from 1 thru 24.
In the left bottom corner is “Di”, the signature of the illustrator Lieselotte Fabig – Distling, and in the margin, in light blue, “Printed in U.S. Zone Germany”  and on the right “117”, probably the publisher’s/printer’s reference.
Published by Albrecht & Meister AG (AMAG) in 1952-1953 (ref. T. Peschel, pg. 79).

A129 Advent calendar, called “Ihr Kinderlein kommet” (Come ye little children). This is another one of Advent /Nicolaus calendars published by Reichhold & Lang in 1925.  It has the ref. “R.L.M. 805”, printed in blue, on the front cover. I think that originally the front cover had the text "ADVENTS-KALENDER" printed in red at the top of the front cover, but, judging by the red line marking at the top of the front/back, was cut off. Considering two small pin holes the tear-off calendar with 20 sheets was attached to the front cover and has been carefully removed. The pictures had to be cut out and glued in the oval panels. Each day has a Christmas song, title of which is repeated in the banner underneath the panel. Drawings are by Felix Elssner (1866-1945).
According to R&L’s 1938 Advent calendar catalog it was still available then, together with two others:
- no. 802 :  tear-off calendar
- no. 803 :  sticker album (with text instead of music).
(ref. Weihnachtszeit)
Dimensions closed: 23,5 x 29,7cm.

A130 Weihnachtskalender “Die Christrose” (Christmas calendar "Christmas rose") in album format. It was sold with a tear-off bloc, that was attached to a strong cardboard, ref. "R.& L.M. 702", with on the back the then available R. & Lang advent calendars. Each day, starting December 6, a page was glued in the album, ending with December 24, Christmas Eve. Published by Reichhold & Lang in 1926, ref. “R.& L.M. 703”.
The story is about  Fritz and Gretl’s journey in search for the Christmas rose. Their father is very ill and can only be cured by the scent of the white Christmas rose from King Winter.
Author is Sepp Bauer and drawings are by Else Wenz-Viëtor (1882-1973), a very well known German illustrator in the 1920-30s.
Dimensions of board: 18,5 x 26,5cm; of album closed: 18,7 x 27cm.
Die Christrose was published in different versions (ref. D. Wunderlin and E. Gajek):
- no. 702 : tear-off bloc on board
- no. 703 : its sticker album
- no. 202 : small version tear-off bloc
- no. 203 : its sticker album
- no. 234 : small version, cheap edition, no album
- no. 566 : with tear-off bloc and filling, 20 pieces of chocolate, 16 x 8,5cm, no album.
Except no. 566, they are all still mentioned in R&L’s 1938 catalog.

On this one I can still see the pencil imprint of a name and the date “1928”.

A138 Tear-off “Weihnachtskalender” (Christmas calendar), “Die Christrose”,
story by Sepp Bauer and drawings by Else Wenz-Viëtor (1882-1973), published by Reichhold & Lang.
Below in the left hand margin is the reference “R. & L. M. 202.”
Starting December 6 and ending December 24.

This is the small version, the cardboard plate being 12cm x 18cm, and the tear-off pages 5,2cm x 7,3cm.

A131 Advent calendar, angels and stars at lebkucken door.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, with behind this large door, Jezus in the crib and Holy Mother Mary. Design is attractive, but printing is poor.
No indication of publisher, nor of designer, but I think it is of the 1950s.
Dimensions: 28 x 20,5cm.

A132 Advent calendar with rather attractive design of a Christmas tree and musical angels; doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
There is no indication of publisher, nor illustrator.
It was offered as being of 1945, as indicated in pencil on the back. Of course, anyone can write that and when the calendar arrived, I had my doubts, although the paper on the back is yellowed.
Further information (P. Nicolaus) reveals that this calendar was printed around 1948 by Meindl & Kittsleinter, München-Pasing. In the 1980s it appeared on the market, also in uncut sheets and was then completed with the back sheet.
This would of course explain the yellowing difference.
Dimensions: 21 x 29,7cm.

A133 Advent calendar, Santa, carrying his sack, pulling a sledge with a Christmas tree and a child in the snow.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
No indication of publisher, but signed “LS” below right.
It has been said to be the initials of Liselotte Schwarz, but to me the graphics do not compare to her style.
On the back is penciled “Advent 1952”, but the style is earlier.

“HELP” appreciated here on the “LS” monogram’s meaning, and publisher.

SOLVED! Thanks to Bea Klopstra, it is the monogram of Lilly Scherbauer, illustrator of children books and postcards, many examples on Pinterest.

Dimensions: ca 20,4 x 28,7cm.

A134 Advent calendar, Erika Nr. 2, Snow White and the 7 dwarfs, doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below left is printed “Erika Nr. 2” and on the right “1452 LP 26” (Landkreis Pirna Druckerei 26, ref. Peschel, pg. 152). Printed before WW2.
This design, Snow White and the 7 dwarfs, was published under three ref. numbers, being nos. 2, 90 and 103  and the calendars 2 thru 6 were of thinner paper, while from then on thicker paper was used (ref. Peschel, pg. 154).
Dimensions: 20,3 x 29,4cm.
Other Erika calendars under A26, A136,  A146, A223 and A227.

A135 Advent calendar, Erika No. 40, angels on a Christmas tree, doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Below left is printed “Erika No. 40”, but no mention of publisher/printer.
On the back is pencilled, in a child’s handwriting, “1937”, just being an indication because …..
Dimensions: 20,1 x 29,4cm.
Other Erika calendars under A26, A134, A146, A223 and A227.

A137 Advent calendar with mice in the snow, doors numbered from 1 thru 24. By folding it open the mice come forward to give a 3-dimensional effect, but I have not tried to do this.
The calendar is signed “AnneLiese”, but I cannot find out what or who this is; below left is the publisher’s information and logo ”GEMO Made in Denmark by George Moldow Copyright 118310-1”.
According to Tina Peschel, page 99, it dates from 1980.

Dimensions: 40 x 22.5cm

A139 Advent calendar with Santa train, loaded with presents, assisted by angels and dwarfs, highlighted with glitter. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Design by Eva Schmidt, signed below in the left hand corner; in the margin is the Favorit Verlag logo (Huntemann & Markus & Co.) and “PRINTED IN WESTERN GERMANY”; in the right hand corner “602”.
Eva Schmidt lived in Laboe and sometimes signed “Eva Schmidt-Laboe”; she died in 2002 (Ref. Tina Peschel, page 252).

Dimensions: 26cm x 28,9cm.

A140 Advent calendar with angels and Santa driving a coach in a town; doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Design also by Eva Schmidt, signature in the right hand corner. In the margin the reference “603” and on the left  the Favorit logo (Huntemann & Markus & Co.) and “PRINTED IN WESTERN GERMANY”.

Dimensions: 25,9cm x 29cm.

Both calendars have the signature of Eva Schmidt, and the same Favorit logo.

A142 Advent calendar, or Nicolas calendar due to starting on December 6, with a decorated Christmas tree and a manger. It was sold with the tree undecorated, together with a separate sheet with 19 pictures to be cut-out and pasted on the tree, starting December 6 and ending December 24 when a large angel for the top of the tree. It is known as “Münchener Weihnachtskalender, Der Weihnachtsbaum”. It would be the
second Adventskalender published by Gerhard Lang, illustrations by Richard Ernst Kepler (1851 - ca 1930).  Apparantly there are different versions, e.g. the cut-out for the 17th is a soldier in an earlier version, while here it is a man with a raised arm (ref. Gajek pg. 47).
This one here has the ref nr. 501. On the back of the calendar is a list of the then R & L available "Münchner Weihnachtskalender".
Dimensions: 19cm x 31cm

Different versions found in:

a) Weihnachtszeit, Bayerisches Nationalmuseum:
- Ref. 501, same as the one above, with man raised arm, 19cm  x 31cm, date 1920

b) E. Gajek pg 48:
- with red border, design as my 501, but with soldier and no ref. no, size 40cm x 50cm, date 1915
- no red border, different design tree, but with man raised arm, ref. RuLM 521, still with separate sheet and no tear-off calendar, 19cm x 22cm, date 1920

c) D.Wunderlin: 1938 catalog: with tear-off calendar attached:
- ref. 521
- ref. 201, small version

A143 Advent calendar, “Kinderzimmer”, two children in their bedroom maybe on Christmas evening, doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Design by Marianne Drechsel (b. 1923), name in the bottom right corner "M. DRECHSEL"; in the left margin the "L" logo followed by "Lederbogen" (Lederbogen Verlag, Chemnitz) and on the right "A142/54/III/29/3 /860", published in 1954.

It has been covered with a varnish finish, giving it this yellow color.

See also calendar A147 by same designer.

A144 Advent calendar with dwarfs in their underground workshop under the manger in the woods.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
There is no signature or publisher’s reference, but the style, numbers and the pictures behind the doors remind me of Gudrun Keussen (b.1920-2006), e.g. door 2 is the coffer filled-up;
12 is a dwarf stirring; 11 dwarf mending; 6 is an imitative St. Nicolas figure.

Dimensions: 20,9cm x 29,5cm.

See also adventcalendars A60, A87, A125 and A150.

A145 Advent calendar, called “Weihnachtsmärchen” (Christmas tales) with angels, Santa in the sky and dwarfs, decorating a Christmas tree, in the wood.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24 (in the Christmas tree).
Design is by A. Jahn, signed below right. Characteristic are the star-shaped doors. Published by the Ratsdruckerei Dresden in 1947, printed in an edition of 50.000 copies.  The following text is printed below: “Dresdener Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Veröffentlich under der Lizenz Nr. 170 der SMAD, Gen.-Nr. 2032” and “D03 Ratsdruckerei Dresden GmbH, 3274 1147 50.0”.

See also A120 and A195 in this collection.

A146 Advent calendar, Erika 123, Santa pulling a sleigh with angels and presents.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Marked “Erika No. 123” and “MK Heidenau 4.46 40 000”, dating it 1946.

Dimensions: 29,5cm x 20,5cm.

A147 Advent calendar, called  “Pfefferkuchenschloss” (gingerbread castle), the design by Marianne Drechsel (b. 1923). The two evil looking nut crackers near door no. 24 are fun. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

Marked “DRECHSEL” below left, and in the margin, in blue print, the logo “L” and “Lederbogen” (Lederbogen Verlag, Chemnitz) and “III/29/3 1/142/55 8521”, indicating it was printed in 1955.

Dimensions: 20,9 x 29,5cm.

See also calendar A143 by same designer.

A148 Advent calendar advertising Eduscho coffee, Santa with packages of coffee in his bag, a poem “Ein holder Bote ist Advent” (a lovely messenger of Advent) and stars numbered from 3 thru 24, having only 21 star-windows. This means that the first star, not December 1 or December 6, is to be opened on the first Advent, in that year being December 3.
This enables us to date the calendar; it could have been published in 1950, 1961, 1967 or 1972. Judging by the style and paper 1961 or 1967 is a good guess.
It is signed with the letter “K”.
The stars are not to be opened but broken out, meaning that the calendar could only be used once.
The back is covered by a yellow transparant paper. Funny thing is that I cannot see any pictures on this transparant paper ! According to Daniela, there is no need for pictures, the intention is just to show a heaven full of glowing stars!!
An Eduscho advertisement is printed underneath.
Dimensions: 21cm x 29,50cm.

HELP needed here please for the artist "K" and about the different Edusho logo's and period.

A149 Advent calendar , “Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her” (From Heaven high I come),
with Santa and dwarfs gazing up at a stained glass panel decorated with advent candles and angels.

Illustration by Werner Voigt, born 1928, signed top right ”W. Voigt ‘49”. Printer’s or publisher’s reference in the bottom margin “Zw2 64950000 5749”.

A rarity with this calendar is that it starts on the 1st day of Advent, in 1949 being
November 27,  and consequently the doors start with number “27.11.” followed by 28, 29, 30 and then 1 thru 24, bringing the total up to 28 doors. They are meant to be broken out, not to be opened, so normally to be used only once.
Maybe that is also the reason why it is printed on rather thin paper, probably in Zwickau.

Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

A150 Advent calendar of a  Christmas market (Christkindlmarkt) in front of a church,
doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

Design by Gudrun Keussen (1920-2006), and again in this calendar the pictures behind
the doors reflect what is going on in the market and what the traders are selling on their stalls, e.g. toys, cakes, … and behind December 6 again a St. Nicolas figure, here in biscop regalia with miter and staff.
Publisher’s logo below right and references in the red margin:
“Nr. 575 . © 1974 by Verlag Ars sacra Joseph Mueller, Munich . printed in Munich (West Germany)”.

Dimensions: 39,5cm x  29cm.

See also adventcalendars A60, A87, A125, A144.

A151 Advent calendar of Santa pulling a sledge and children in a street. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

Design by Richard Hambach (b.1917), signed "Ri".
On the back is printed:
"1554 . EVP MDN -,70 VERLAG ERHARD NEUBERT KG . KARL-MARX-STADT A 22/35/67 . III/9/88", indicating it was printed in 1967.

EVP = Eenheitsverkaufspreise

Dimensions: 32,2 x 22,7cm.

A152 Barnens Adventskalender
(Children’s Advent calendar)

These are a series of Swedish advent calendars designed by Aina Stenberg-Masolle (1885-1975) and first published in 1934 for the "Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund" (Swedish Girls’ Guide), and every year a new motive was chosen by the Scouts and the family of Aina Stenberg-Masolle, right up to 1964. On one of the packages there is often "Till Henny" (for Henny), referring to Henny Mörner whose idea it was to issue a Swedish Advent calendar for raising funds for the Girls' Scouts Ass.

After 1964 other artists designed Advent calendars but they never reached the popularity of Aina’s.

In 1973 the Scouts Ass. resumed the tradition and reprints were issued; some say 1980s. In several of the reprints the numbering of the doors has been changed.

A152.34 “Barnens Adventskalender”, a house in the snow with many tomtenissar (gnomes) on their way to door 24. Doors numbered from 1 through 24.
This is the first Barnens Advent calendar by Aina Stenberg-Masolle, signed below left and published in 1934. No “Till Henny”.

In the space below the design is printed, from left to right:

“Utgiven av Treklövern.  Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1934” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 31,5cm x 27,9cm

A152.35 “Barnens Adventskalender”, many gnomes, carrying presents, skiing down the snowy mountains to children waiting before door 24. Doors numbered from 1 through 24.
Signed below left “Aina Stenberg-Masolle” and published in 1935. No “Till Henny”.

In the space below the design is printed, from left to right:

“Utgiven av Treklövern.  Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1935” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 28cm x 31,9cm

A152.36 “Barnens Adventskalender”, children at a party, in a round dance around the table. Doors, 6 are missing, numbered from 1 through 24. No “Till Henny”.

In the space below the design is printed, from left to right:

“Utgiven av Treklövern.  Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER   Ritad av Aina Stenberg-Masolle   Copyright” ( Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER  Designed by Aina Stenberg-Masolle  Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1936” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 31,5cm x 27,9cm.

 A152.37 “Barnens Adventskalender", angels descending from the sky, gnomes (tomtenissar) coming down from the snowy mountain and three children portraying the three Kings; doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgiven av Treklövern. Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” ( Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1937” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 31,5cm x 28cm.

A152.38 “Barnens Adventskalender", presents for the children, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, on one of the presents the “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgiven av Treklövern. Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” ( Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1938” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 31,5cm x 28cm.

A152.40 “Barnens Adventskalender", children outside a house preparing foord and drink for Christmas, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, not dated by the illustrator but is published in 1940. One of the packages marked “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgiven av Treklövern. Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” ( Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1940” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 32 x 28cm.

A152.41 “Barnens Adventskalender", angels and elves in a snow covered wood, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, and dated 1941. No “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgiven av Treklövern. Offic. Org. för Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund. BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” ( Published by Treklövern. Sweden's Office. Org. of the Swedish Guide and Scout Girls' Association CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1941” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 27,5 x 31cm.

A152.42 “Barnens Adventskalender”; children in a kitchen preparing Christmas goodies; doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, twice dated 1942 (in door no. 9 and in corner below left), no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1942” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: 32 x 28cm
Reprint in 1980, same door numbers; 1998, no changes

A152.43 “Barnens Adventskalender"; bears, the small one Tusse,  children, gnomes, princess and prince arriving on a horse; doors numbered  from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, dated 1943,  no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LIT. A.B. STHLM 1943” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 28cm x 31,5cm.

A152.44 “Barnens Adventskalender", gnomes (tomtenissar) workshop, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle” "1944", dating it 1944, no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm 1944” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 31,8cm x 28cm.

A152.45 “Barnens Adventskalender", gnomes and children running from house, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle” "1945", and in a package below right “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm 482” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: 32cm x 27,5cm.

A152.46 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with angels, children and gnomes, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “46" " Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, dating it 1946, and in a package at the right the “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm 1946” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 27,8cm x 31cm.

Reprint in 1993; door numbers changed.

A152.47 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with gnomes dancing around a house, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “-47" " Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, dating it 1947, no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 31,5cm x 28,9cm.

A152.48 “Barnens Adventskalender”, children on their way to church, elves and a Christmas tree, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator “Aina Stenberg-Masolle” and dated 1948, no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 28cm x 31,8cm.

A152.49 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with angels and gnomes and a Christmas tree, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator "Aina Stenberg-Masolle 1949”, dating it 1949, but no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm 1949” (Stockholm).
Dimensions: ca 30,5cm x 28cm.

A152.50 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with gnomes and animals, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator "Aina Stenberg-Masolle-1950”, dating it 1950, but no “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright) and in the margin “BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm” (Stockholm).

Dimensions: ca 30,5cm x 27,5cm

Reprints: in 1990 with change in door numbers; in 2006 no change in door numbers.

A152.51 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with angels, children and many gnomes and Christmas tree, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the illustrator "Aina Stenberg-Masolle” and "1951", and in package 17at the right the “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright BENGTSONS LITOGRAFISKA AB Sthlm 1946” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright Bengtons ...)

Dimensions: ca 27,7cm x 32cm.

Reprints in 1973 and 2001, no changes in door numbers.

A152.52 “Barnens Adventskalender” with a few angels and sheep, and many gnomes on a large tree in front of a house with lighted windows. Signed below left “Aina Stennberg-Masolle - 52”.  Doors numbered from  1 through 24. No “Till Henny”.

 In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright TRYCK-TEKNIK” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright TRYCK-TEKNIK).

Quality of the printing seems less than usual.

Dimensions: ca 31,6cm x 28,3cm.

A152.53 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with angels, moon, stars, gnomes painting the moon and two children sitting on a cloud, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the "Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, and in the package 19 held by the two children “Till Henny”. There is no date, but is of 1953 according to information on the "Carlotta – ett databassystem för museisamlingar" site (Carlotta - a database system for museum collection).

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright TRYCK-TEKNIK” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright TRYCK-TEKNIK).

Dimensions: ca 28,5cm x 32cm.

A152.54 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with elves and children with a Christmas goat pulling a sled full of presents, all in front of a house where a party is going on.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed Aina Stenberg Masolle, no date and no "Till Henny".

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright TRYCK-TEKNIK” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright TRYCK-TEKNIK).

Dimensions: 31 x 27,5cm

152.55 “Barnens Adventskalender” with children enjoying themselves in front of a coffeshop, where they serve:
Varm korv = hot dog
Glass = ice cream
Pepparkaka = gingerbread
Saft = juice ex. strawberry juice,

and others riding in the postoffice train. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed “Aina Stenberg-Masolle” and dated 1955. No “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER  ESSELTE-förpackning  Copyright (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright)

Dimensions: ca 27 x 30,5cm

Reprints:
2011 with no change in door numbers.

152.56 “Barnens Adventskalender” with children, all dressed in red, skiing in the snow. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed “Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, not dated, but published in 1956. No “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges Flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER  ESSELTE-förpackning  Copyright (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER Copyright)

Dimensions: ca 31 x 27,5cm

Reprints in 1978 and 1995 with change in door numbers.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER ESSELTE-förpackning NORR KÖPING Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER .... Copyright).

Dimensions: 31 x  27,5cm.

A152.58 “Barnens Adventskalender”, with gnomes and children, some dressed-up as indian, eskimo and cuban, and girl scouts in front of an indian tent, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed by the "Aina Stenberg-Masolle 1958 ”, and in the package 17 held by the a gnome “Till Henny”.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER ESSELTE-förpackning NORR KÖPING Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER .... Copyright).

Dimensions: ca 27,5cm x 31cm.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Utgives av Sveriges flickors Scoutförbund Försäljnings- och Förlagsverksamhet BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER ESSELTE-förpackning NORR KÖPING Copyright” (Published by the Swedish Girls’ Guide and Scout Association Sales and Publishing CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER .... Copyright).

Dimensions: 27,5 x 31cm.

A152.61 “Barnens Adventskalender”, Gingerbread house with Hansel and Gretel as scouts in the windows, the witch and her cat, and gnomes and children, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed "Aina Stenberg-Masolle”, no date and but no Tilly.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references, now:
“Copyright Svenska Scoutförbundet Scoutförlaget BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER J.O. STENQVIST AB KVIDINGE” (Copyright Swedish Guide and Scout Association Scout Publisher CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER ....).

A152.62 “Barnens Adventskalender” , with children and many gnomes preparing for Christmas; door no. 15 bears the logo of the Scout Association. A novelty in the design are the cars in front of the villa.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed “Aina Stenberg Masolle” and dated “-62”. No Tilly.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references:
“Copyright Svenska Scoutförbundet Scoutförlaget BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER J.O. STENQVIST AB KVIDINGE” (Copyright Swedish Guide and Scout Association Scout Publisher CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER ....).

A152.63 “Barnens Adventskalender” , with a boy and a girl scout watching many gnomes playing on baubles and stars.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed “1963 Aina Stenberg Masolle”. No Tilly.

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references, now:
“Copyright Svenska Scoutförbundet Scoutförlaget BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER STENQVIST KVIDINGE” (Copyright Swedish Guide and Scout Association Scout Publisher CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER ....).

Dimensions: ca 27,4 x 31cm.

I have seen no reprints.

A152.64 "Barnens Adventskalender”, with gnomes, children and a camel, laden, with packages, in a Mexican (?) village.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed "Anna Stenberg Masolle 1964".

In the area below the design are publisher’s and printer’s references, now:
“Copyright Svenska Scoutförbundet  Scoutförlaget BARNENS ADVENTSKALENDER  ALLKOPIA? STHKLM 1964” (Copyright Swedish Guide and Scout Association Scout Publisher CHILDREN'S ADVENTSKALENDER ....).

Dimensions: ca 31,3 x 27,8cm.

A153 Advent calendar with Santa in his sleigh flying above a city. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24 and judging by the doors they were intended to be broken out, not opened. According to E. Gajek design by Rudolf Hanitzsch, showing modern transport vehicles like the two cars and the train. The gold bronzing of the sky and higlights in the design vary in color from yellow to more reddish depending on the incidence of light. Signed below with an “h” accompanied with the number 432.

Ref. Esther Gajek:
“Neither the new design theme with its unusually, for Advent calendars, high array of technology, nor the special effects of bronzing contributed to the sales of this calendar: it went through only one edition”; Published by Adolf Korsch Verlag in 1958.

Ref. “Korsch Verlag, Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985”, pg. 55, it is called “Im Schlitten über der Stadt” (In sleight over the city).

Dimensions: 28,5 x 31cm

The two next calendars are by the same artist and of the same series.
Advent calendar A95 is by the same artist, but signature is different ! There is also an illustrator "Dieter Hanitzsch"!

A154 Advent calendar with children watching Santa descending from the sky. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, which were intended to be broken out. This calendar is certainly from the same series as the previous one with the same bronzing technique.
Same signature by Rudolf Hanitzsch , but the ref. no. 433 and then presumably also published by Adolph Korsch Verlag in 1958.

Ref. “Korsch Verlag, Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985”, pg. 55, it is called “Weihnachtsmann mit Schirm” (Santa with umbrellar).

Dimensions: 28,5 x 31cm

A155 Advent calendar with children watching Santa descending from the sky. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, being intended to be broken out. This calendar is certainly from the same series as the previous one with the same bronzing technique.
Same signature by Rudolf Hanitzsch , but the ref. no. 431 and then also published by Adolph Korsch Verlag in 1958.

Ref. “Korsch Verlag, Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985”, pg. 54, it is called “Berg mit Schloss” (Mountain with castle).

Dimensions: 28,5 x 31cm

A156 Advent calendar in the form of a star, flowers and branches in relief printing (Prägedruck : embossed printing or relief printing). Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Under door no. 9 is “D.R.G.M.”, meaning “Deutsches Reich Gebrauchsmuster” (German Reich Registered Design). Thought to be pre-WW2.

Dimensions: dia 32cm

See A219 for a similar advent calendar.

A157 Triptych Hallmark Advent calendar, called “Joy to the World!” with envelope . In the center panel are the doors, numbered  from 1 thru 24. This central panel is highlighted with silver glitter, now turned dark grey.
Behind door 22 it says “Songs of praise the Angels sang”,  door 23 “No room for the Saviour” showing, door 24 “”Silent Night” with the manger scene, ….

In the panel on the left is the text :
“As carollers are heard again,
And bells begign to ring,
Proclaiming once again the birth
Of Christ, the Infant King,
May happiness
and joy be yours
Throughout this Christmastide,
And may the peace
Of Bethlehem
Within your heart abide!”
 
As with the other Hallmark advent calenders on the back :
“Joy To The World!
Beginning with Number 1 on December 1st, and Number 2 on December 2nd, open another window each day until on Christmas Eve you find the best-loved carol of all.”
The Hallmark logo.
The reference: “1 00XC 25 COPYRIGHT HALLBROTHERS INC.", dating it not later than 1954.”

Dimensions:
Closed: 25,5 x 25,5cm; open: 75,5 x 25,5cm

A158 Advent calendar with a stagecoatch with dwarfs, angels and animals under a tree. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

No signature of the designer, but the publisher's reference "m 13" (Michel Kunstverlag, Nürnberg) and "Printed in Germany" in the lower yellow margin.

Dimensions: 21cm x 29,7cm.

A159.1 Advent calendar with Santa and his helper dwarfs bringing the Christmas presents. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The calendar is heavily highlighted with glitter. Design is by Kurt Brandes, his signature, Brandes, being below left; in the margin the publisher's references "Made in Germany US Zone" and "Crystal No 284".

Dimensions 21 x 30,5cm.

See below the Danish version of this calendar.

Other calendars by Kurt Brandes in this collection : A53, A54, A74, A96, A160, A185.

A160 Advent calendar with Santa and his sleigh with the Christ Child together with angels in the wood. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The calendar is heavily highlighted with glitter.
Design is by Kurt Brandes, his signature, Brandes, being below left; in the margin the publisher's references "Made in Germany US Zone" and "Crystal No 292".
Dimensions 21 x 30,5cm.

Other calendars by Kurt Brandes in this collection : A53, A54, A74, A96, A159, A185.

A161 Advent calendar with children-angels going up a ladder to an angel-chef and a village in the background. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The calendar is highlighted with glitter, now turned dark grey.
Below right is the designer’s monogram “GR”. In the margin is printed “Made in Germany US-Zone” and “Crystal No. 293”,  publisher Crystal Verlag’s reference. I have not been able to find much information on this publisher, only that he was located in the” Bundesrepublic” (West-Germany), ref. T. Peschel pg. 174.
Dimensions: 21 x 30cm.

A162 and A162b These two Advent calendars have the same main design, being the train, but A162 has been cut down left, right and bottom, and consequently the location of some doors have been changed, so the backsheet also must have been adjusted (12-8-18-19-11-20-6). Also text is missing in the signpost (FAHRPLAN) and on the locomotive (Weihnachts-Express).
Both have below in the margin the same references printed “Printed in Western Germany” and “270/1”, while on the backsheet of both "RM 270/1". The "RM" could mean (R)ückseite (M)otiv (Backside Motif), ref. Peter Nicolaus.
There is no publisher’s/printer’s name.

It seems that A162 was published by Verlag Joseph Lang, München, around 1962, but needs to be confirmed.
Considering the adjusted backsheet, I believe that A162b is an earlier print.

Dimensions differ: A162 is 16,5 x 23cm and A162b is 22,5 x 24,5 cm.

A162: Info Karen Slauenwhite-Eldershaw:
Here are photo’s of some of the pictures behind the doors. Curious is the old style Mickey Mouse, being a specific US figure. Also the “RM 270/1” is repeated on the back page.

A163 Advent calendar with Santa and Christchild in a sleigh and children in a winter wood. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Highlighted with glitter.
Below in the margin is printed “Printed in Western Germany” and “212”.
No publisher’s or designer’s name.

A164 Advent calendar with Santa arriving in a galleon, full of presents, sailing in the clouds, with below a village, together with many angels. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Highlighted with glitter, now turned dark grey. In the left margin printed in blue “Made in Germany” and on the right “415”.
No publisher’s or designer’s name.

According to "Korsch Verlag, Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985", pg. 45, it was by the illustrator Gertraude Appelmann and only published in 1956.

Dimensions: 24,5 x 32cm.

Differences with the reissue in pictures behind the windows:

A164.b Picture and information thanks to Karen Slauenwhite-Eldershaw, who bought this calendar new in the 1990s.

This is a reissue and on first sight the same design as the former one, but there are some differences:
-left and right part of the design left out
-different dimensions, being somewhat smaller, ca 20,5 x  29,5cm
-marked “Korsch Verlag, Made in Germany, 10325”
-doors are in a different place and most of them are just various sizes of boxes (squares or rectangles). The exceptions are as follows:

no. 16 is half of a crescent moon instead of the lantern the girl is carrying
no. 20, 23 are different sizes of "Roman" windows, instead of a package and an anchor
no. 24 is a large double doored "Roman" window, instead of the Christmas tree.

According to "Korsch Verlag, Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985", pg. 45, this was indeed a re-issue under ref. 10325, size A4, in 1988 and published up to 1994.

A165 Advent calendar with Santa carrying a bag over his shoulder and two dwarfs pulling a sleigh, laden with presents, in friont of a house. Below right is a monogram “WM” or “MW”; no publisher’s name or reference.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, starting around the double door.
Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

A166 Advent calendar with a cottage in the snow, doors numbered from 6 thru 24.  Below right  is the publisher’s logo and the illustrator’s signature of “Nora Scholly” (born April 11, 1905 in Pressburg, now called Batislava in Slovakia, died October 21, 1965 in Bad Ischl, Austria), hardly visible because the colors have faded. On the back is printed “Nr. 538 – Copyright 1955 by Verlag Ars sacra Joseph Mueller, Munich (Germany)”.
Dimensions: 29,2 x 23,4cm.

See the next one, A167, for a later reprint.

A167 This advent calendar has the same design as the former one and is by the same artist, Nora Scholly, signature also below right. On the other hand the publisher’s reference is now below left and his same reference is printed in the red margin below right :”Nr. 538 – Copyright 1955 by Verlag Ars sacra Joseph Mueller, Munich (Germany)”. In the snow I can detect text, but I cannot decipher it, but could be a watermark.
Also the back is different, no references, the cardboard backing has  cut-outs to let the light shine through when the calendar with open doors is placed before a light . The hanger is a cotton string, while in the old one it normally is a metal hook, now missing.
When it was reprinted I do not know.

A168 Advent calendar with 2 angels holding a banner “Fröhliche Weihnacht” (Merry Christmas) on top of a Christmas tree, behind the doors candles and ornaments, with the stable underneath and the manger scene behind the double door. In the left margin below is the reference “Best-Nr. 36” and on the right the artist’s monogram “O.Q.” and in the margin  “Fco Dr. 27 40.Fl. 472.6.48”, probably dating it 1948.

The picture showing doors missing, except no. 24, is by Peter Nicolaus, who has been kind enough to let me show it here.

Have not been able to find out neither the artist's name, nor the publisher's.

Dimensions:  19,8 x 27,5cm.

A169 A Swedish 3d and set-up/pop-up Advent calendar, with the top forseen with a triangle stand at the back and the lower part with the doors, numbered from 1 thru 25,  to be opened. The small separate piece with the horse and sleigh, is marked “Copyright E.O. & Co. nr. 62.105. Made in Sweden” and on the right is the signature of the Swedish book illustrator Erik Forsman (1916-1976).

Published in 1962, ref. Peschel page 101.

See A204 for another, older calendar by Erik Forsman.

A170
“Advent” series, are the famous calendars by Helmut Rudolph, 26 in total, published between 1951 and 1983 by the Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler in Jena. Nearly every year a new calendar was published. The title always has the word “Advent” in it, eg “Die Adventskirche”, “Die Adventsorgel”, “Der Adventsgarten”, etc. Some have 29 doors and door 24 is not numbered “24”, but is identified by another description, eg. “Heiligabend” (Christmas Eve), "Zur Krippe" (to the crib,), Christgeburt” (The Birth of Christ).

As far as I have seen, only the first ones, “Die Adventskirche” and “Der Adventsaltar”, bear Rudolph’s monogram. Furthermore, Die Adventskirche is larger than all the others, while the next ones are smaller, and later on, in my collection starting from “Die Adventskapelle”, the paper they are printed on is thinner.

Reprints by Wartburg Verlag now available on their site : http://www.wartburgverlag.net/index.php/adventskalender.html

According to information from Wartburg Verlag all the reprints bear the ISBN reference number. I have added this information in the descriptions below.

A170.51  “Die Adventskirche” (The Advent Church), showing the church of Seiffen in Erzgebirge, was first published in 1951 and a second printing in 1961. Doors numbered from 1 thru 23, while door 24 is named “Heilig Abend”.
Below left is the monogram ”HR”.

Further marked  “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph-Freiberg im Wartburgverlag Jena”.

In the margin below left and right references  “III/29/1 651/50” and “Z 85-68-451”.

Dimensions: ca 26,5cm x  32,5cm.

A modern reprint was issued in 2008, bearing ISBN reference 978-3-86160-125-8.

A170.55  “Die Adventsorgel ”  (The Advent Organ)  with a chorus beneath a large organ, with "Christ ist Erschienen" above it. Several banners reading "Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her", "Tochter Zion freue Dich" and "zu Bethlehem geboren" ("Jesus has Appeared", "From heaven high I Come", "Daughter of Zion Rejoice" and "Born in Bethlehem").
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

In the margin below right printer’s reference “III/29/1 A990/55 DDR 25”.

First published in 1955.

It is not signed, but marked “Bildkalender um Lieder aus Advent und Weihnacht gestaltet von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg für den Wartburgverlag Max Kessler = Jena”.

Dimensions: 21,4cm x 29,7cm.

In 2003 a modern reprint was published with ISBN reference 978-3-86160-115-9.

A170.57  “Das Adventsdorf”  (The Advent Village)  with several houses marked, eg “Apothek”, “Kindergarten”, … Doors numbered from 1 thru 23;  the 24th door is marked “Heiligabend” (Christmas Eve).

Text in the banner "Ein jeder bringt dir Jesu Christ was ihm hier wert und teuer ist" (All things good and nice and true
Lord Jesus we will give to you).

In the margin below right printer’s reference “III/29/1 A990/57 DDR 25”.

First published in 1957 with a second time in 1962 (with reference III/29/1 A 7012/62 25).

It is not signed, but marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburgverlag Max Kessler = Jena”.

Dimensions: ca 27cm x 29,5cm.

In 2007 a modern reprint was published with ISBN reference 978-3-86160-124-1.

A170.63 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph  called “Die Adventskapelle” (the Advent Chapel), doors numbered from 1 thru 23, while next to the 24th door there is a signpost reading “ZUR KRIPPE” (to the krib), instead of bearing the number 24. I cannot see a monogram.
It was published in 1963.

Text in the banner “Das Leben das Herrn Jesus Christ in Bildern hier zu schauen ist” (The life of the Lord Jesus Christ in images to view here).

No printer's reference ! But I have seen one with "III/29/1 A8140/63".

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

Dimensions: 21cm x 29,5cm

A170.64 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Advents=Turm” (the Advent Tower), doors numbered from 1 thru 23, while the 24th door is marked “Heiligabend” (Christmas Eve).

The banner reads “Wir helfen gern weil Jesus Christ selbst unser aller Helfer ist ” (We are happy to help because Jesus Christ himself is our all helper).

It was published in 1964. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A9030/64”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

A170.65 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Das Adventshaus” (the Advent House), doors numbered from 1 thru 23, while the 24th door is marked “Christgeburt”  (The Birth of Christ).

The banner reads “Es ist nun zeit dass du bedenkst was du dem Jesuskindlein schenktst” (It is now time that you consider what to give the Christchild).

It was published in 1965. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A1001/65”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

A170.66 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Das Adventsschiff” (the Advent Ship).

Besides four Advent doors, the other doors are numbered from 1 thru 23, while the 24th door is marked “Christnacht” (Christmas night).

The banner reads “Ein Schiff ist angekommen bei Schnee und kaltem Wind mit Gaben voll beladen vom lieben Christuskind” (A ship has arrived during snow and cold wind fully loaded with gifts from the beloved Christ Child).

It was published in 1966. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A2000/66 ”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

A170.67 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Das Adventsfenster” (the Advent window), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent.

The banner reads “Ein Kindlein uns geboren ist - das Licht der Weld - Herr Jezus Christ” (A child is born to us - light of the world - Lord Jezus Christ).

It was published in 1967. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 3025/67”. It is printed on slightly thicker paper with non-glossy finish, while most are glossy.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

On the back in ink, I presume a previous owner "L. Leonhardi".

A170.68 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventsberg” (the Advent Mountain), doors numbered from 1 thru 23, while the 24th door is marked “Christfest” (Christmas Celebration), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent.

The banner reads “Marias Weg zur Krippe führt - wo Jesus Christ geboren wird” (Mary's way leads to the crib - where Jezus Christ is born).

It was published in 1968. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A4000/68”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

Dimensions: 21 x 29,8cm.

In 2010 a reprint was published by Wartburg Verlag under ISBN 978-3-86160-127-2.

A170.69 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventskranz ” (the Advent Wreath). Besides four Advent doors, the other doors are numbered from 1 thru 23, while the 24th door is marked “Christgeburt” (The birth of Christ).

The banner reads “Lasst uns fröhlich singen, lasst die Lieder klingen für das Kindlein Jesus Christ” (Let's sing happily, let the songs sound for the child Jesus Christ).

It was published in 1969. There is no printer's reference.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

Dimensions: 21 x 29cm.

Reprint with reference ISBN 978-3-86160-126-5.

A170.70 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Die Adventsglocke” (the Advent clock), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Heiligabond” (Christmas Eve), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent.

The banner reads “Vom Erzgebirge zum Ostseestrand singendie Glocken über das Land Christ is geboren” (From Erzgebirge to Baltic beach the bells sing across the country Christ is born).

It was published in 1970. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 Ag 6172/70”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler=Jena”.

Dimensions: 21 x 29,8cm.

A170.70 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Das Adventsfeld” (the Advent field), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Christgeburt” (birth of Christ), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent.

The banner reads “Den Hirten wird hier offenbart dass Jesus Christ geboren ward” (It is revealed to the shepherds that Jesus Christ was born).

It was published in 1970. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 6000/70”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler=Jena”.

Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

Reprints 2006, ref. 978-3-86160-119-7, ISBN 10:3861601192 and 13:9783861601197

A170.71 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Die Adventsbrücke"” (the Advent bridge), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Christgeburt” (birth of Christ), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent.

The banner reads “Wie zwischen den Ufern die Brücke sich spannt so reicht Gott durch Christus uns Menschen die Hand" (As between the shores the bridge spans, so God extends his hand through Christ to us humans).

It was published in 1971. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 7204/71”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler=Jena”.

Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

A170.73 Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventsleuchter” (the Advent candleholder), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Heilige Nacht” (Holy Night), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent. The banner reads “Hier seht Ihr was im Heiligen Land zu Jesu Zeit man sah und fand" (Here you see what in the Holy Land at Jesus time one saw and found), while beneath the shepherds and 3 Kings "Heller Stern scheint Christ dem Herrn" (Bright star appears Christ to the Honourable).

It was published in 1973. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 8219/73”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburgverlag Max Kessler Jena”.

On the back, in ink, is written "Advent 1973 Für meine lieben Enkelein, v.d. ??" (For my dear angel, from ???).

Dimensions: 21,2 x 29,2cm.

The banner reads “Der Schäfstall noch verschlossen bis drin geboren Jesus Christ (The sheep stable still locked up, inside was born Jesus Christ).

It was published in 1974. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 KzG 003/74”.

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

Dimensions: 21,2 x 29,8cm.

In 2002 a reprint was published by Wartburg Verlag under ISBN 978-3-86160-114-2.

A170.74 - apparently there are two Helmut Rudolph advent calendars designed in 1974.

Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventsdom” (The Advent Cathedral), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Heiliger Abend” (Holy Night), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent. The banner reads “Vom Altar und der Kanzel aus hort ihr in jedem Gotteshaus zur Weinachtszeit durchs ganze Land dass Gott uns seinen Sohn gesandt " (From the altar and the pulpit you hear in every church at Christmas Time throughout the country that God sent us his son.).

It was published in 1974. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 1222/74".

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

Dimensions: 22,6 x 32,5cm.

In 2005 a reprint was published under ISBN 978-3-86160-117-3, re Wartburg Verlag; another on Ebay according to the seller had ISBN 3-86160-117-6.

A170.75
Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventsgarten” (the Advent garden), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Weihnacht” (Christmas), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent. The banner reads “Der Bibel ganze Blumenpracht - umblüht das Kind in Heiliger Nacht" (The Bible whole floral splendor - surrounds the child with flowers in Christmas night).

It was published in 1975. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 2156/75".

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

On the back a previous owner has written in ink "Advent 1976 Für meine Samlung Lotte Leonhardi"

Dimensions: 22,6 x 32,7cm.

In 2004 a reprint was published under ISBN 978-3-86160-116-6

A170.76
Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Das Adventstor” (the Advent archway), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Christgeburt” (The Birth of Christ), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent. The banner reads “Mit Gaben kommt der Kinder chor zum Jezuskind im Engeltor " (With gifts the children's choir comes to baby Jesus in Angel gateway).

It was published in 1977. Printer’s reference in the margin below “III/29/1 A 3181/76".
On the back a previous owner has written in ink "Weihnachten1977 F. m. Samlung Lotte Leonhardi"

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

A170.77
Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventswald” (the Advent forest), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Christgeburt” (The Birth of Christ), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent. The banner reads “Der Bibel Tiere - gross an zahl - stehn wartend vor dem Krippenstall" (The Bible Animals - great in number - stand waiting in front of the crib stable).

It was published in 1977. Printer’s reference in the margin below left “III/29/1 A 4136/77” and on the rigth "DDR 1,20 M".

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

The banner reads "Kein andrer schein die Nacht erhellt wie Jesus Christus licht der Welt" (No other shines the night so bright as Jesus Christ lights the world).

It was published in 1981, although the Printer’s reference in the margin below left reads “III/29/1 A70 85/80”; on the right "DDR 1,20 M"

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler Jena”.

Dimensions: 21,7 x 33cm.

No reprints known.

A170.82
Advent calendar by Helmut Rudolph called “Der Adventspyramide” (the Advent pyramid), doors numbered from 1 thru 24, while a 25th door is marked “Christgeburt” (The Birth of Christ), plus 4 advent doors, numbered 1.Advent, 2.Advent, 3.Advent and 4.Advent. The banner reads "Einst hatten nur ganz wenige den Engelruf vernommen doch heute sind millionen schon zum Krippenkind gekommen" (Once only very few had heard the angelic call, but today millions have already come to the creche).

It was published in 1983, although the Printer’s reference in the margin below left reads “I-14-1 A 9040/82”; on the right " EVP 1,20 M DDR"

Marked “Adventskalender von Helmut Rudolph=Freiberg im Wartburg Verlag Max Kessler=Jena”.

Dimensions: ca 22,5 x 32,5cm.

A171 Advent calendar with Santa in a window and many angels and dwarfs in the sky,  preparing delivery of the presents to a city below. Doors numbered from  1 thru 24. The calendar is highlighed with glitter. It is marked below left “Printed in U.S. Zone Germany” and on the right “Georg Steib, Munich/New York 120”.

Dimensions:  19,5 x 27,5cm.

A172 Swedish advent calendar with children and angels in front of a farm house, design by Britt-Lis Erlandsson, signature below right “B-L E”. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, behind which is Holy Mary with Child.  Thought to be of the 1940-1950s.
Britt-Lis Erlandssonn was born in 1920 in Värnamo, Sweden, and died 2009.
Dimensions: 30 x 33cm

A173 Advent calendar with children and angels in windows in the clouds looking down on children dancing around a snowman. Design by Ursula Ortlieb, signature below right.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
In the bottom margin left is printed “Nr. 10” and right the “pmb” logo of Paul Meyer Bremen.
Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm

A174 Advent calendar with angels descending from a castle in the clouds, bringing presents to the Child . Design by Ursula Ortlieb, signature below right.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
In the bottom margin left is printed “Nr. 5” and right “Made in Germany” and the “pmb” logo of Paul Meyer Bremen.
Dimensions: 21 x 30cm

Advent calendars A34, A115, A119 and A174 are by the same artist.

A175 Hallmark Advent calendar to set-up, 3 panels, called "The Two Little Angels", with at every door two angels on a cloud and on December 24 the stable, it is highlighted with gold and silver stars; doors numbered from 1 thru 24. On the back is printed "Hallmark" with the crown logo, and the reference "50XC 11 copyright Hallmark Cards, Inc."

Dimensions: each panel is 18cm wide and 22cm high.

Other Hallmark calenders in this collection A109, A110, A157, A176 and A193.

A176 Hallmark Advent card to set-up,3 panels, called "The Old-fashioned Christmas Season "; the doors are not numbered but are marked with the dates, starting DEC.20, DEC.21, ... CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, DEC.26 .... to end NEW YEAR'S EVE. On the back are again the user instructions, the Hallmark crown logo, and the reference "1 00XC 21 copyright Hallmark cards Inc.".

Dimensions: each panel 20,4cm wide and 30,5cm high.

Other Hallmark calenders in this collection A109, A110, A157, A175 and A193.

A177 Advent calendar of angels, carrying presents, seem to be descending from the clouds; doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Signed below right "Hannes Petersen", and in the margin the reference 5677. These calendars are thought to have been published by Meissner & Buch, Leipzig, in the 1930s.

Dimensions: 18,5 x 23cm.

See A32, A90 and A194 for a calendar by the same illustrator; see also A76.

A178 Advent calendar of Santa, carrying his sack,  entering a village at night, with the star shining on a stable, with door no. 24 and when opened it shows the manger scene with the Three Magi. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The backing is a translucent yellow paper with black images. It is the intention that the calendar is hung before a light, sothat the light shines through the windows when opened, as can be seen from the photo.
Below left is the illustrator’s signature, Fritz Baumgarten, and the publisher’s references “Leipziger Advents Kalender Nr. 18360 ges. gesch.”  and on the left “Meissner & Buch, Leipzig” with the M&B logo plus "Printed in Germany". On the translucent yellow backing paper is printed “Gehört zu Adv.Kal. Nr. 18360” (belongs to Advent calendar Nr. 18360).
Probably late 1930s.
Dimensions: 24 x 17,3cm

A179 Advent calendar with all sorts of toys on the doors, gnomes and Santa on door no. 24. Doors numbered from 6 thru 24, so this is a so-called “Nicholaus” calendar.
Behind doors 6 thru 23 are pictures of the fairy tale Red Riding Hood, while behind door 24 is the manger scene with the Three Kings, as some are shown in the picture on the right.
Below left is printed the publisher’s reference “Printed in (M&B logo) Germany”  with in the margin “Leipziger Advents Kalender “Rotkäppchen” Nr. 18354 ges. Gesch.”. Below right is the illustrator’s signature, Fritz Baumgarten, and in the margin “Meissner & Buch, Leipzig”.
Probably late 1930s.
Dimensions: 29,5 x 21cm.

A180 Advent calendar with an angel chorus around an advent wreath in the clouds. Doors numbered from 6 thru 24, making it a so-called “Nicholaus” calendar.

The calendar consists of the cover page, an intermediate sheet with the daily pictures and a back sheet of stronger but poorer quality. In T. Peschel's description the back sheet is described as "the misprint of a pine motif was used".  I presume that for the back sheets left-overs were used.

No mention of illustrator, publisher or printer, but according to T. Peschel it is by Eva Johanna Rubin (1926-2001) and published by Erich Thieme Verlag, Berlin-Niederschöneweide in 1948-1950.

Dimensions:  21 x 29,8cm

A181 Advent calendar of Santa pulling a very heavy sack from his sleigh and a family watching TV. Doors numbered from 6 thru 24, which is the TV screen, reading “Märchen-Weihnachts-Programm.” (fairy tales Chrismas program).  Turning the wheel at the right pictures of fairy tales appear, i.e. Snowwhite and the Seven Dwarfs, Little Red Riding Hood, The Goose Girl, Puss in boots, The Yearling (? it is with a girl), and the Christmas tree.
Below right the monogram “EP”, probably the illustrator’s, and in the margin “III-9-5” and “A203/57”, dating it 1957.

Dimensions:  34 x 25cm

A182 Advent calendar with an old tree, housing doors from 1 thru 10, clouds and presents holding most of the other doors, numbered from 11 thru 24. These doors or windows do not open in the usual way, but when turned back figures pop-up.  Here some of them have been opened, while others are still closed.

There is neither signature nor publisher mentioned, only below left is “10/3960”.

A183 Advent calendar with cut-out and glued-on figures, called “Die Christfahrt” (Christ Journey). Published by Reichhold & Lang in 1931. Below is the reference “R.u L.M.1121” and the illustrator’s name “Elsa Schnell-Dittmann” (1907-?).
These calendars could only be used once, and when completed were probably thrown away after a few years.
On the right is how an unused advent calendar looked like; image is from the internet.

A184 Advent calendar with a view of a Bavarian Christmas market. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, signed below right by the artist, Rotraut Hinderks-Kutscher (1908-1986). In the margin is marked “Made in West-Germany” and “452”.Published in 1966 by Korsch Verlag.
Re-issues: in 1974 under the reference number 052, size A4, up to 1990, partly with the reference 10052; up to 1987, also reference 10452.
(Ref. Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 72).

Dimensions: 29,5 x 29,5cm.

(Donation Tracee Andrews)

A185 Advent calendar showing a house and a train at night with many bears about and highlighted with glitter, doors numbered from 1 thru 24; signed below left with the monogram of Kurt Brandes. No indication of publisher, but in the margin left “Made in West-Germany” and “425”.

Called "Teddys im Zug" (Teddy's in train) and published by Korsch Verlag in 1959 from a film taken over from Meissner & Buch and issued up to 1975; in 1984 re-issued with a new film under ref. no. 10425 up to 1996; in 2007 under ref. no. 10104, size A4. (Ref. Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 57, no. 425).

Dimensions: 29,5 x 27,5cm

Other calendars by Kurt Brandes in this collection : A53, A54, A74, A96, A159, A160.

(Donation Tracee Andrews)

A186 Advent calendar with Walt Disney figures, Mickey and Donald Duck families at an old tree house and highlighted with silver glitter. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Marked below: “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 23 m MICHEL KUNSTVERLAG . MÜNCHEN . Printed in Germany”.

Korsch Verlag re-issued it in 1972, with film taken over from Michel Verlag, with and without glitter, "ref. "Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985", pg. 88, "230/231 - Baumhaus" (Tree house).

Dimensions: 42 x 30cm.

(Donation Tracee Andrews)

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

A187 Advent calendar with Walt Disney figures, Donald Duck family and Mickey in a car, all highlighted with silver glitter. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Marked below: “© WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 28 m MICHEL KUNSTVERLAG . MÜNCHEN . Printed in Germany”.

Korsch Verlag re-issued it in 1972, with film taken over from Michel Verlag, with and without glitter, but then bearing the reference " "ref. © WALT DISNEY PRODUCTIONS No 28 A. Korsch Verlag - München - Made in W.-Germany";
Ref. "Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985", pg. 90, "280/282 - Micky im Auto" (Mickey in Car) .

Dimensions: 42 x 30cm.

(Donation Tracee Andrews)

Disney calendars in this collection: A33-A48-A49-A61-A73-A78-A186-A187

A188
Stand-up 3D Advent calendar, called “Die Weihnachts-kapelle”, starting December 6, design by Dora Baum and published by Reichhold & Lang in 1936.
It is a church, consisting of cardboard pieces, all construed in such a way to fit in the accompanying box. There are 4 windows (6-9 Dec.), 3 doors (10, 15 and 20 Dec.) and four insert panels (backdrops) (1 thru 4) to which the 12 numbered sheets (clouds) are attached  numbered 1 thru 4 (11-14 and 16-19 and 24 Dec.). The box is marked “R. & L.M. Nr. 1155”. It was still mentioned in the 1938 catalog.
Dimensions set-up:ca  23cm high and the base is 34,5 x 18cm.

An earlier version of  this 3D church was published in 1931, different design, consisting of 11 windows (6-16 Dec.), 2 doors (18 and 24 Dec.), 6 scenes with panels to be broken out (18-23 Dec.). This also was sold under  ref. No. “R. & L.M. Nr. 1155”.

A189 Fold-up advent calendar “Advents-Paradies Zentrum Aarau”, doors numbered  from 1 thru 24, design by the Swiss cartoonist Jürg Furrer (b.1939), signed below right, and published in 1989 for “Zentrum Aarau” in Switserland.

A190 Advent calendar with dwarfs in a wood, with a separate sheet with cut-outs to be inserted on the frontpage.
Being curious for the cut-outs, I bought this on ebay. The seller did not show the "Zweckfom Adventskalender No. 4064" top, nor the barcode on the back, and I thought it would be of the 1950-1960s. So beware !!!!

A191 Advent calendar called in the banner at the top "Heidi und Peter suchen das Christkind. *Ein Adventskalender für brave Kinder" (Heidi and Peter search for the Christ Child. *An Advent calendar for good children*". Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, with under each door in verse the story of Heidi and Peter.
In the margin is mentioned "Idee u. Text : Michael Molander * Bild : Lotte Entenmann".
On the back guidelines how to use the calendar are printed.
Verlag Herbert Bauer, Tübingen. Probably 1930s.

Dimensions: 30,5 x 24,7cm

A192 Advent calendar with Santa, angels, heaven’s door (24) and a staircase, with a road sign (ERDE - MOND” (earth – moon), going up to “Frau Holle”(door 9), passing the “Himmelsbäckerei” (heaven’s bakery) (door 23). There is also on the right the preparing of presents and delivering them via a slide to the earth; on the left is a “Himmelsschneiderei” (door 16) (heaven’s  tailoring) and on Santa’s sleigh is written “St. Nicolaus” (door 6).
Below left is the artist’s signature “E. Hetzel 1946” and in the margin on the right the publisher’s/printer’s reference "Dr.1 11.46 100 000", indicating it was printed in Dresden in November 1946 in an edition of 100.000.  There have been more than one edition and the one published in Tina Peschel’s book is marked “LKD 2.46 75 000”, meaning it was published in February 1946.

It is printed on rather thin paper because of the paper shortage after WW2.

A193
“A Hallmark Advent Card The Shepherd Boy’s Gift”, 4 panels, doors numbered from 1 thru 24, telling the story of a phepherd boy on his way to the stable.
It is marked on the back with the Hallmark logo with crown and “50XC 1-6  copyright Hallmark Cards Inc.”. The envelope is marked 50XC16.

Dimensions: total ca 44,25 x 26cm high, each panel  ca11,25cm wide.

Other Hallmark calenders in this collection  A109, A110, A157, A175 and A176.

A194
Advent  calendar with angels coming down from the hills to a snow covered village.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The calendar has been highlighted with silver glitter, now turned dark grey.
Design is by Hannes Petersen, signature on the right in the cottage roof.
In the bottom left margin is the number “5676”.

Dimensions: 18,5 x 23cm

Other advent calendars by Hannes Petersen in this collection: A32, A90 and A177; see also A76.

A195 Advent calendar, called “Im Kerzenschein der Advents -  und Weihnachtszeit” (in candle light of Advent and Christmas time) with angels, children and dwarfs in the sky and in the center the flame of the candle.  Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Design is by A. Jahn, signed top right. Characteristic are the star-shaped doors. Published by the Ratsdruckerei Dresden in 1948, printed in an edition of 25.000 copies.  The following text is printed below: “Dresdener Verlagsgesellschaft K.G., Veröffentlicht under Lizenz Nr. 170 / Genehmigangs-Nr. 1921 der SMAD” and “Offsetdruck  03 Ratsdruckerei Dresden GmbH, 3037 1048 250”.

Behind door 24 is Santa with a banner, reading “Allen braven Kindern ein recht frohes Weihnachtsfest” (All good children a true happy Christmas).

Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

See also A120 and A145 by A. Jahn in this collection

A196 Advent calendar in strong cardboard, called “Der Regenbogen" (rainbows), with many angels and children on clouds among the moon and stars, under the rainbow. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.

Design by Marigard Bantzer (1905-1999) and published by Verlag Dürer-Haus Marburg, as marked in Sutterlin writing below the design “Weihnachtskalender von Marigard Bantzer Verlag Dürerhaus Marburg/L”. In the margin below left “425”. Dates from around 1930.

Dimensions: 31,5cm x 26cm

A197 Advent calendar, workshop with Santa, angels and dwarfs. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
The design is by Fritz Baumgarten, with his characteristic dwarfs. It is unsigned, but this is not unusual as it seems many unsigned advent calendars by this artist have been published, also pre WW2.

On the backsheet the following references have been printed “2 MDVK 1012” and “RK 2003 30.8.50 40000”, indicating that it was published in 1950, edition of 40.000.

Someone suggested that the publisher was Mitteldeutscher Verlag Köthen, maybe based on the reference “MDVK”, but according to info on the internet this also refers to “Mitglied der Volkskammer der DDR”.

Dimensions: 21 x 29,5cm.

Another advent calendar with a "lebkuchen" hart by Fritz Baumgarten is shown on the left. It is a reprint by Korsch Verlag, not in this collection.

A198 Advent calendar, in the middle a Christmas market, surrounded by the 24 doors.
It is unsigned, but according to literature the design is by Fritz Baumgarten and date it 1948. Below, in the white margin, is printed left “Leipziger Adventskalender Nr. 18372” and on the right “MEISSNER & BUCH  LEIPZIG”.

Dimensions: 23,4cm x 16,5cm.

There are several other calendars by this artist in this collection.

A199 Advent calendar with doors numbered from 1 thru 24. In the center are doors 1 thru 18, each with text probably from a song, surrounded by children and angels, and at the top the stable.

It is called “Nr.3 Kinderliedchen” (children’s songs), design by Elsita Bantzer-Eskuche, text by Ruth Schaumann, tune by Walther Hensel, published by Rudolf Schneider Verlag, Reichenau/Sa., as per text printed in the lower white margin.

It dates from 1935.

Dimensions: 24,5 x 32cm

A200 Advent calendar, tear-off calendar, called “Weihnachtskalender von Bella Vichon”, the center being number 24, the nativity scene, surrounded by trees and animals, Balthasar’s elephant, Melchior’s camel and Kaspar’s horse, completed with the 23 cut-outs of the tear-off calendar, which is still attached to the cardboard panel.
On the right is marked the publisher “Verlag Dürerhaus Marburg a.d. Lahn N°412”

Dimensions: 21,7cm x 28cm.

Help!: I would like to have more information on Bella Vichon and the publisher "Verlag Dürerhaus".

In the book " Weihnachten im Osnabrücker Land - Pagina 85":
The painter Bella Vichon (born 1910 in Temesvar / Austria-Hungary, d. 1973 in Quakenbrück) studied at the art schools in Vienna and Gothenburg and worked as a teacher at the women's school for social professions in Thale / Harz. She became known for their especially colored book illustrations, which treated also very beautiful Christmas themes. Later she gave out toys produced in his own workshop for hand puppets and marionettes in Osterburg / Altmark. Beginning in 1945, they initially lived then in Menslage, from 1965 in Quakenbrück, where she had worked freelance until her death.

June 2016, Ref. Ursula Jostock
"Dürer" houses were/are shops where exclusive arts and crafts items were sold. Before 1945 the Dürerhaus Marburg also issued Advent calendars, eg by Fritz Baumgarten and Ruth Busch Schuhmann.

Some information in "A LECTURE by PROFESSOR CIZEK" Children's Art Exhibition Fund, 1921, page 7.

A201 Advent calendar with the chapel and children in the woods. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. The signature “Wilma Supan” below right, and on the left the publisher’s reference “E. Hammann Verlag Detmold Best. Nr.28”.

Dimensions: 21,7 x 24,3cm.

Ref. Dr. Andreas Ruppert and internet I found following info about Ernst Hammann:
- The bookstore E. Hammann Verlag appeared in the Detmold address book 1891 as:
„E. Hamann, Buchbinderei, Leder- und Galanteriewaarenhandlung,
(Inh.: Buchb. Ernst Hamann), E, Bruchstr. 40“
and in the Detmolder Address Book for the last time in 1979. The link above does not work anymore (check 15 november 2015).

- Detmold address book 1884: gives address "Bruchstr. 38"

However, about the publishing firm there are no records, but these bookstores often had their own small publishers.

A202
Advent calendar called "Das Christkind im Walde", design by Dora Baum and originally published by Reichhold & Lang in 1934 under the ref. "R.& L.M. 3472. It is also called a St. Nicholas calendar because the numbering starts with December 6, ending December 24.

The story of this Advent calendar:

The Christ Child, with angels, has come down from the sky and now wanders, with St. Nicholas ahead, through the snowy forest in order to prepare the Christmas feast the children are awaiting impatiently. The Christ Child and angels are at first hidden behind the trees. Each day a tab on the back, in the order of the numbers, is shifted, making the figures to appear from behind the trees, up to the Christ Child himself appears on Christmas Day.

This is a 2007 reprint by Ars Edition GmbH Munchen, as is indicated on the back. I bought this pending finding a period print.

Dimensions: 31 x 24cm

A203
“Weihnachts Kalender” (Christmas Calendar) called "Im Lande des Christkinds" (In the Land of the Christ Child), design by Richard Ernst Kepler, initials below right "REK" and being the first printed Advent calendar originally published by Reichhold & Lang in 1908.

Not in the standard form as we know it today with doors to be opened. It consisted of two parts: a printed board with 24 numbered sections and a verse, and a separate smaller gummed sheet with 24 pictures (Santa, children, etc.). After reading the verse, the corresponding picture was cut-out and glued on the board.

It must have been very popular because it appeared within three decades in eight different editions, some of which were available at the same time. In 1930 even a version for the blind was published. In 1936 an anniversary edition in gold was published, where the military toys were replaced by animals and dolls.

This is a 2006 reprint by Ars Edition GmbH Munchen, as is indicated on the back. I bought this pending finding a period print.

A tear-off calendar called "Im Lande des Christkind" with an album, also by R. Kepler, were published in various versions. See A117.

Dimensions: 31 x 24cm

A204
A small advent calendar showing dwarfs skating and playing in the snow in a snowy village, here and there highlighted with glitter. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24. Below left is the Swedish artist’s signature Erik Forsman (1916-1976) and right the publisher’s references “E.O. & Co. nr 5575/2. Made in Sweden”. It comes in its original mica (?) wrapping

Dimensions: 21,7 x 14,7cm.

This is the calendar I have been able to obtain thanks to Becky Jones.

A205 Stand-up Advent calendar called "Cathedral Place", published by Sellmer Verlag in Stuttgart-Rohr, Germany, around 1947. The design is by Elisabeth Lörcher (1898-1961) from Tübingen.
It shows a cathedral with in front of the town wall stalls with children playing. This section can be drawn out, making the calendar 3D, for placing on a table instead of hanging on a wall or window. There are 24 doors, numbered from 1 thru 24. It is decorated with glitter. On the inside it is marked "Made in Germany US Zone" and the "RS" Sellmer logo. The calendar comes with a small yellow leaflet with instructions and with the original envelope, both with English text, indicating it was exported to the US, as this is where I found the calendar.

Dimensions: 44cm wide x 22,5cm high at the highest point.

Another Sellmer “Cathedral Place” calendar, same design, but instead of marked on the inside, it is marked on the front panel “Made in Germany US zone  with  RS logo” on the left and on the right “Muster ges. Gesch. D.P. 1641542”, possibly for the German market only?

A206
Swedish Ica-Hakon Advent calendar, showing, in the Swedish Christmas tradition, many elves decorating the town, “Välkommen till tomtestaden” (Welcome to Santa’s city), and the Christmas tree; in the front Santa in his sleight and, funny enough, a chimney sweep top of the roof.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24; on door no.1 is printed ”Till snälla barn från affärerna med HAKONS-märket” (To the good children from the shops with Håkons mark), indicating it is an early calendar, probably dating from the 1950s. Text in the Hakons logo reads “medlem i inköpscentralen anslutet till ica” (member of the purchasing group connected to the ICA).

Below left is a signature, probably the designer’s “Springfeldt”, while in the margin is the printer’s mark “Helsingborgs Litografiska Aktiebolag“.

Dimensions: 21 x 26cm

HELP
I have not found any information on an illustrator Springfeldt connected to either Hakon or Helsingborgs Litografiska Aktiebolag.

A207
Another, somewhat larger, Swedish Ica-Hakon Advent calendar, also showing many elves enjoying themselves at the “Tomtarnas Vinterfest” (Elves winter party).

Doors numbered from 1 thru 24, and here again door nr. 1 with the text “Till snälla barn från affärerna med HAKONS-märket”, together with the Hakons logo.

Below left the illustrator’s signature, Springfeldt,  and in the margin the printer’s name “Helsingborgs Litografiska Aktiebolag“.

I would expect this calendar to be of the 1950s also.

I have not found any information on an illustrator Springfeldt connected to either Hakon or Helsingborgs Litografiska Aktiebolag:
HELP.

Dimensions: 24 x 29,6cm

A208
Advent calendar called “Heinzelmännchenküche” (house gnomes’ kitchen), showing gnomes happily busy in a kitchen.
Doors numbered from 1 thru 24; design by Marianne Mayer-Schneegans (1904-1997), published in the 1930s by ” Rudolph Schneider Verlag, Reichenau/Sa”, and “Adventskalender Nr. 15” all indicated in the margin. Ref. the book “Marianne Schneegans” Verlag der Kunst Dresden.

Dimensions: 28,8 x 22,2cm

A209
Advent calendar called “Das Geheimnis der Weihnacht",  illustration by Paula Jordan (1896-1986), published by Johannes Stauda Verlag, Kassel-Wilmhelmshöhe, in 1930, as printed in the banners “Ein Advents- un Christfestkalender . von Paula Jordan    im Johannes Stauda-Verlag zu Kassel-Wilmhelmshöhe”.

A peculiarity is that there are 41 doors, at the top the 4 Sunday Advent doors, and then starting on December 1 and ending on January 6.

Dimensions: 26,5 x 31cm.

This is a very popular Advent calendar and has been reprinted in 1957 by Otto Maier Verlag, Ravensburg, marked ": “Ravensburgerspiele Nummer 27902-Made in Germany”,
and more modern reprints, as late as:
- Verlag SCM Collection Edition Johannis in October 1999, under ref. no. 727053, ISBN 9783501270530
- Verlag St. Johannis-Druckerei, Lahr-Dinglingen, in 2003, probably under ref. no. 27053

A210
Danish Advent calendar in the form of a tear-off calendar, called “Børnenes Jule-Kalender” (Childrens Christmas Calendar), published ca 1930. It is the first known printed Danish Advent calendar.  Each of the 24 sheets, attached to a cardboard panel, are decorated with and three small verses, all about three children waiting for Christmas.
The verses are by the Danish writer, Aage Hermann (1888-1949) and the illustrations by the Danish artist Hedvig Collin (1880-1964).

This is a 2006 reprint by the Danish museum Den Gamle By for the exhibition, as is printed on the back, together with information on the writer and the illustrator.
Hope to find an original one !

Dimensions: 18 x 32 cm.

Courtesy of Mr. Jens Ingvordsen, curator Christmas, open air museum, Den Gambly By, Denmark.

A211
Another Danish Advent calendar, called “Nissepige” (Pixie Girl) in the form of a pixie girl, carrying presents and with a small calendar bloc attached as a present.

The small pad with 24 sheets mentions, beside the date, sentences like “December 1 23 dage till jul” (December 1 - 23 Days to Christmas) and “December 24 Hurra-nu er det jul “(December 24 - Hurray, now it's Christmas).

Published by the Danish company Carl Stender in Copenhagen ca. 1955, but this is a Christmas 2007 reprint by the open air museum Den Gamle By in Denmark. Hope to find an original one !

Dimensions: 13,5 x 24cm.

Courtesy of Mr. Jens Ingvordsen, curator Christmas, open air museum, Den Gambly By, Denmark.

A212
An advent calendar, design by Marigard Bantzer, described in the literature as “Sternenhimmel” (starry sky). Snow covered trees with a hut surrounded by animals, children, angels and a shepherd; there are 24 door. some in the form of stars in the sky, others below the ground.

The calendar is marked “Weihnachtskalender v. Marigard Bantzer + Verlag Dürerhaus + Marburg/L + N°302”, published by Verlag Max Voigt in 1930.

Dimensions: 32 x 27,5cm.

A213
A large advent calendar, homemade, design of the stable, with gold painted numbers from 1 thru 25 on the doors. Behind doors 1 thru 22  are scrap (or also called die-cuts) angels, while behind door 23 is a lovely scrap Santa and behind door 24 is a scrap nativity scene. In the sky is the comet and numerous stars, all made of gold Dresden paper.

The calendar itself is made of two pieces of paper, a thin brown one for the back, which you can see behind the angels, and a thicker ivory colored paper with the design painted on and in which the doors have been cut. It is glued to a piece of plywood, 48 x  32cm.

The calendar comes from a family in Leipzig. It was made by the daughter, Helga, born in 1922 and who had kept the calendar whole her life. So it is thought to have been made between 1935-1945, and at least during the WW2 period, when paper was rationed and printed Advent calendars were not available in Germany.

Helga in 1929 with large cornucopia

Helga in 1934 with her mother and grandmother

Helga in 1938

A214
Advent calendar booklet called "Adventskalender mit Nano". It starts on December 1 and ends on December 24. Each date a double page with Christmas related stories, games, decorations, .... It was published in 1992 by the toy company, Franz Carl Weber AG, Zurich, and illustrated by Roger Mayer & Partner, Basel, in Switzerland. I do like these booklets; they relate how Christmas was celebrated at the time, what was available, etc.
It is a gift of a dear collegue Advent calendar collector from Switzerland.

Dimensions closed: 16 x 23 cm.

A215
Advent calendar with angels and a helicopter above a city There are 7 small doors to be removed in the tower door” 1” and 6  in the packages, numbered from 1 thru 24; there is a larger double door  no. 24,  and a turntable.
The wheel has several rows of images and a row with numbers sothat when turned the numbers will appear in the tower window,  the images in the packages once their doors have been broken out, and in the lean-to on a rooftop in the picture on the easel.

In the margin below left is “Printed in Western Germany” and on the right “676”. The artist’s monogram “H”, used by Rudolph Hanitzsch, below righ in the design.

I presume, as calendar A123, also published by Joseph Lang, Munich, in the 1960s.

Dimensions: 30 x 30cm

A216
Swedish advent calendar, decorated with a ram and children carrying presents,  design and signed " Britt Lis".

Britt Lis Erlandsson (1920-2009), sometimes also signing with “BL-E”, is a Swedish illustrator.

No indication of publisher or printer.

A217
Advent calendar showing children playing in the snow. This calendar is known as “Winterfreuden”, design by Erika Werner-Nestler, signed below right “Ewene ’50, which is the contraction of her name.

Below in the margin are the publisher’s references “IV/5/14 MDV KÔTHEN 1163   6” and “2 109 - 50 - 451”, inidicating it was published in 1950. “MDV” is Mitteldeutsche Druckerei und Verlagsanstalt.

I have seen another that was printed in 1954, with reference "H 34 A234/54 DDR 20 I".

Dimensions: 21 x 29,7cm

A218
Large advent calendar showing children and animals near a village. It is highlighted with silver glitter.

Published by Sellmer Verlag, as is indicated in the margin, below left “Made in Western Germany © byRS (logo) Stuttgart-Rohr” and on the right “Order-Nr. 725”.

It comes with a mailing envelope, bilingual English and French, apparently published for export.

A219 Advent calendar in the form of a star, fir tree branches and pine apples in relief printing (Prägedruck : embossed printing or relief printing) in Dresden cardboard. Doors numbered from 1 thru 24.
Under door no. 9 is “D.R.G.M.”, meaning “Deutsches Reich Gebrauchsmuster” (German Reich Registered Design). Thought to be pre-WW2.
According to literature these calendars would have been expensive at the time .

Dimensions: dia 24,5cm

See A156 for a similar advent calendar.

A220 Advent calendar showing angels and dwarfs with three donkey carts, loaded with presents. It is an advent calendar ordered by the "Hypothekarbank Lenzburg" as a corporate gift. I have seen the same calendar with the same graphics, but without the overprint of the bank's name.

In the lower margin, left and right, is printed "Korsch Verlag" and "Made in Germany 10106". No mention or signature of the designer, but it would be by Hilde Hoffmann (b 1927). On the back is written in pencil "2014".

It is a reprint of the calendar called "Schlittenzug" (train of carriages), published in 1956, dimensions 30 x 30cm and with a wavy border, with a film taken over from Meissner & Buch and published up to 1991; before 1990 also under the ref. 10437 with a new film, still wavy border; in 2007 under ref. 10106, format A4 (ref. Korsch Verlag Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985, pg. 59, no. 437).

This was a gift of a dear pen friend, Evelyn.

Dimensions: 29,9 x 21cm.

This is the version, published by Korsch Verlag before 1990 under the ref. 10437 with a new film, still wavy border. This design is like the original. The above later design has been cut down around the bordes to fit A4 size, thereby eliminating part of the design and the illustrator's monogram.

It is marked below left, in the design, "Korsch Verlag - Gilching vor München Made in West-Germany" and on the right the monogram "HH":

In the lower border right, the reference number "10437".

Note: image is of the internet, for info only.

A221
This is an unusual Danish advent calendar in the form of a phonograph record, released by the company L. Levison Junior in Copenhagen under ref number 3242, dating it circa 1957/1958.

The windows are numbered from 1 thru 24, but all the doors are missing. I presume because they were to be broken out. I have seen another and there also the doors were missing.

The songs, mentioned on the record are in different  languages, English, German, Danish, Italian and French:  “Glade Jul, Dejlige Jul”, “Notte Santa”, “Voici Noël”, “Silent Night, Holy Night” and “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht”.
The calendar is marked with the publisher’s references: “Copyright L. Levison Jr. Ltd.  Made in Denmark  No. 3242  45 R.P.M.”

There is another version in the Danish museum “Den Gamle.By” with the same graphics and all the doors intact, but with only one song, not the religious song Silent Night, Holy Night, but a Danish non-religious Christmas song called “Højt fra træets grønne top” (meaning High from the green Christmas tree), written in 1847.The song is sung by a Copenhagen choir, and the audio tape with the empty plates were taken to Philips in the Netherlands, where the soundtrack was printed on the plate. (ref. Jens Ingvordson, Curator).

Dia ca 25cm.

A222
The design of this Advent calendar I think is typical of many of this period. Also Christmas cards are designed with similar children's faces.

It is a stand-up calendar showing nativity scene. There are 24 doors.

It is signed "Frankie", below right. On the back is indicated/
"No. 855 / 16 144 Made by Krüger in Western Germany" .

Dimensions open: 29cm x 59cm

Other calendars signed Frankie: A65-A66-A89

A223
This is another Erika Advent calendar, marked "Erika no. 118" and  "M.K. Heidenau 4.46 40.000", published in 1946. You are looking through a window at a village and Angels floating in the air under a large bell.

The one on the left has most of the doors missing, not unusual for Erika calendars because the doors easily break-off. Apparantly they are secured in two places only. The one on the right is complete, with all its doors, marked in the same way.
In a way it is fun to see what is behind the doors. Mostly toys, but also Santa and a nativity scene.

Dimensions: 16,7 x 24,5cm

Other Erika calendars under A26, A134, A136, A146 and A227.

The calendar on the left is a present from a dear collegue-collector Evelyn; the complete one I was very happy to be able to acquire some time later.

A224
This is a Kruger Advent calendar, showing Santa with his sack and children in front of a Christmas tree. It is heavily decorated with glitter, typical of the Krüger Advent calendars as of the 1950s. Normally the glitter would be dark grey by now, but, considering the provenance story, it was probably kept stored away for years.

As far as I can make out it is marked "Made by Krüger in Western Germany" and "Ser. No.  06.861". I have no idea what the "4?/d" means.

I have seen the same design Krüger Advent calendar marked "804 068" or "804 058" or "804 059", it is hard to see on the photo's.

On its original cellophane or plastic cover is written "Zu meinen lieben Kindern Evi u. Ernst kommt nun auch der liebe Weihnachtsmann!" (To my dear children Evi and Ernst now also comes the good Santa).
It was a present in the 1960ties from Nina von Bargen's grandmother to her parents and now she so very generously given to me for my collection. Knowing the provenance of this calendar makes it so much more interesting.

Dimensions: ca 27,8 x 29,8cm

A225
Advent calendar, design by Fritz Baumgarten of  a village with children playing in the snow.
Published by Meissner & Buch in 1950/1951, as indicated by the references in the bottom margin "Leipziger Adventskalender Nr. 18379" and "MEISSNER & BUCH LEIPZIG R/V15/28 - 120 - 119".

Dimensions: 29 x 21cm

According to Korsch Verlag's description in the book "Adventskalender von 1951 bis 1985":
- this version was published up to 1959
- in 1990 a new film was made under the ref. Nr.10332
- in 2013 under the ref. Nr.10392.

A226
A foldout, setup, movable 3D advent calendar showing children and snow, together with Santa and animals. It is marked "The Moldow Line 109805 © MOLDOW A/S DENMARK".

It is not very old, probably from the 1980s, but it just came my way.

Dimensions as is in its original packing: 41 x 33cm

A227
This is another Erika Advent calendar, marked "Erika no. 114" and "M.K. Heidenau 4.46 40.000", published in 1946.
It shows Santa putting presents, which angels are bringing down via a rooftop, in his sack.

Dimensions: 16,7 x 24,5cm

Other Erika calendars under A26, A134, A136, A146 and A223

A228
"Felix Weihnachten 1979, Hänsel und Gretel im Zaubrwald": German Felix comic book issued for Christmas 1979, published by Bastel Verlag, complete with A4 Advent calendar inside. The back cover has a Christmas stable with figures to be cut out and completed.