16-Piece Italian Plaster Nativity Set, J.J. Newberry Co., Mid-Century

A complete sixteen-piece nativity scene in hand-painted plaster, marked Made in Italy with original J.J. Newberry Co. retailer labels still adhered to several bases. The Holy Family group includes a kneeling Joseph in purple and brown robes, a kneeling Mary in pink and blue, and the Christ Child in his straw-lined manger. A standing angel in a pink gown with gilded wings presides over the scene, and the Three Magi appear in full procession — one kneeling with a gilt censer, one kneeling with a casket of incense, and one standing crowned with a chest of treasure. A shepherd boy carries a lamb across his shoulders, joined by a turbaned attendant, three grazing and standing sheep, three Bactrian camels (two standing, one couched), and a recumbent ox.

Made for the American department-store market through J.J. Newberry Co., the five-and-dime chain that operated from 1911 into the 1990s, these Italian plaster nativities were a staple Christmas import from the 1940s through the 1960s. The hand-painting is lively and individualized — note the gold-edged hems, the rosy cheeks, the carefully detailed camel coats. Sets this complete, with original price-coded retail labels intact, are increasingly hard to assemble from a single source.

CONDITION

Good overall with age-appropriate wear across the set. Chips, scuffing, and finish wear are present throughout all pieces, with most showing scuffing to painted surfaces. A hoof on one sheep is chipped. Several areas show old touch-ups. Joseph's staff is absent. Original Newberry price labels remain on multiple bases.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Total Pieces: 16
• Material: Plaster, hand-painted
• Origin: Made in Italy
• Retailer: J.J. Newberry Co.
• Smallest Piece: 1.5" L × 1.5" W × 0.25" H
• Largest Piece: 7" H × 3" W × 2" D
• Figures: Mary, Joseph, Christ Child in manger, Angel, Three Magi, Shepherd with lamb, Standing attendant, 3 Sheep, 3 Camels, Ox