Pickle Antique Russian Christmas Spun-Cotton Ornament. Spun-cotton ornaments were made in Germany - mostly around the turn of the century. They were made by spinning cotton and cellulose together. Food shapes are the most common while shapes of people and animals are the most valuable to collectors. Their values range from $100 to around $300. Pickle ornaments were considered a special decoration by many families in Germany where the fir tree was decorated on Christmas Eve. It was always the last ornament to be hung on the Christmas tree, with the parents hiding it in the green boughs among the other ornaments. When the children were allowed to view the tree they would begin gleefully searching for the Pickle ornament. The children knew that whoever first found that special ornament would receive an extra little gift left by St. Nicholas for the most observant child. 3 x 1 1/2 inches. It is in excellent condition for its age.