A full-size Donner reindeer from Jeannot Szwarc’s festive adventure Santa Claus: The Movie. Donner appears throughout the film, with an animatronic version notably used for the scenes set in Santa’s (David Huddleston) stables, in which the elf Patch (Dudley Moore) comforts and feeds the reindeer in his new dwelling.

Created by a team led by supervising animatronic designer John Coppinger, special-effects versions of the creatures were used to allow the team to have more control of the reindeer movements and prevent causing harm to any live animals.

The reindeer consists of an internal metal frame covered in sections of beige and brown synthetic fur, backed with leather and suede-like fabric. A set of flocked fibreglass antlers are adhered to its head and the reindeer exhibits detailed facial features, including acrylic eyes, a set of nostrils and an open mouth. Sporadic gold-coloured sequins decorate the creature’s brown fibreglass hooves.

Intricately built to resemble one of Santa’s flying companions, the reindeer contains an array of untested cables, wires and mechanisms to work its many functions. The head contains servo controls which caused facial movements such as blinking eyelids, and the torso and legs were operated by a pneumatic system. A metal cable runs from the inner body to one of the front hooves, and the reindeer is mounted on a custom-made stand with a small plaque featuring the film title and the text “Donner, Animatronic Reindeer”. The lot has become fragile over time and displays minor wear to the flocked antlers and hooves, while metal has become slightly exposed on the nose. Dimensions: 188 cm x 78 cm x 158 cm (74” x 30 ¾” x 62 ¼”)

£6,000 - 8,000

This item contains mechanical components. While every effort is made to describe them accurately, no guarantee or warranty is made as to functionality, lifespan or safety of those components. It is entirely incumbent on the new owner to satisfy themselves as to their safe use and maintenance.