Collections Within My Collection: Outliers - the "Augarten"

I have a lot of "outliers" in my collection, pieces that don't really fit into any category with other models. But they are still part of a grouping within my collections, the outlier group. 

What would you do if you looked up in an antique shop and spied this piece on a high shelf?

Here is the story of what I did:

Years ago, collector and antique dealer Christina Dils gave some advice on her blog and suggested that collectors should look at the top shelves and the bottom shelves, not just the middle ones, when out looking for HSOs.

 It was good advice and I have had several good finds as a result of applying it. In 2021 I applied Christina's advice and found this piece.

I happened to look up at a shelf as I walked past and saw this beautiful Lippizaner performing the courbette. "Oh, my gosh!" I gasped. "Is that what I think it is?"

I stood on tiptoe and carefully lifted it down so I could look at the piece. According to the label it was an Augarten! My first!! 

But I began to wonder if it might be something else after I got it home and unwrapped it for pictures.

Would an Augarten have skewed nostrils? Surely not.

I took a photo of the mark under the base and googled the history of the company's stamps.

Hmmmm, the mark was right, but the more I looked at the piece, the more I realized that it did not feel the way a fine porcelain would feel.

It was lighter and when I flicked a finger against it, made the same "thunky" sound similar to the sound some of my Japan chinas make when tapped.

Googling the actual piece answered my question. Augarten Lippizaners have gold bells in their manes and tails and the rider is more refined and has his head tilted down more than mine.

So, I had an imitation. I was disappointed but I wasn't angry or upset.

My three favorite breeds of horses are Appaloosas, Tennessee Walkers, and Lippizaners. This Lippizaner is still a nice piece, skewed nostrils and all. 

It may be a copy, but I like it and it's staying in my collection.

I wrote that back in 2021. But since then, I have had doubts about my dismissal of the piece. The more I look at it, the more I think that, even if it isn't an Augarten piece, it is still a quality piece.

But what is it? Have any of you ever seen this Lippizaner? Or heard of Augartens painted with silver rather than gold tack? Could it be a cheaper piece the company produced for souvenirs, perhaps at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna?

Any feedback or links would be helpful. TIA! (horsiemama8@gmail.com)