Thanks to Cartoon Brew for bringing animation fans this news: the original puppets of Santa Claus and Rudolph (from the treasured Rankin/Bass holiday special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) have been found.
Long thought lost, the puppets were found among the holiday decor of a former Rankin/Bass employee. The puppets have been purchased by TimeandSpaceToys.com and will be restored for public display.
Check out the TimeandSpaceToys.com article for more information.
Also, be sure to read last year's lengthy but informative post on the animated holiday classic.
RUDOLPH animated program © & TM Classic Media.