Ornaments, Angels with Violins, Celluloid Faces, Set of 2, Japan, Delta Novelty Co., Vintage 1950s

Two celluloid-faced angels from Delta Novelty Co., each caught mid-performance with a violin and a halo of black mercury glass beads.

• Maker: Delta Novelty Co. (foil sticker confirmed)
• Materials: Celluloid, tulle, wire, mercury glass beads, chenille
• Dimensions: Approx. 3.5" long (excluding pipe cleaner), 4" wide, each
• Origin: Japan
• Era: Vintage, 1950s
• Condition: Good vintage condition — tulle has separated from the wire in a couple of spots (pictured); one angel's violin bow is missing. Please review photos closely before purchasing, as all sales are final.

This pair is a step above the usual — hand-painted celluloid faces rather than the more common spun cotton, paired with mercury glass bead halos and buttons in a deep black. Both wear wired white tulle dresses dusted with silver glitter, with curly blond thread hair and posable chenille bodies. They still carry their original Delta Novelty Co. foil stickers, a small detail that matters a great deal to collectors chasing maker-marked pieces.

A striking duo for a mercury glass collection, or a thoughtful gift for someone who collects mid-century Japanese ornaments specifically.

Delta Novelty Co. was among the importers bringing Japanese-made holiday figures into the American market during the 1950s, at a time when foil maker stickers were the exception rather than the rule — most ornaments from this era left the factory unmarked. That surviving sticker is part of what makes this pair a small prize for collectors who care about provenance.

Browse the shop for more mid-century Japanese angel ornaments.