A Lefton Cattery (And Then Some)

Remember that gasp I let out when I spied the Large Honora in a display case at an antique shop? 

I let out another one this past week when I went antiquing again and came across this sight!

Two three-tiered shelf units loaded with Persian and Siamese cats!

I started carefully examining them to see if any were Hagen Renaker cats.

There were lots of imitations (see that Sparkle imitation on the bottom right?)

but the majority were Leftons with a few other manufacturers sprinkled in.

Someone was just as avid a cat collector as many of those in the model horse hobby are.

It made me a little sad to see the collection on display and for sale. Personally, I hope my collection will be distributed among my family members first and then to friends and other hobbyists.

The cat collection was extensive and the pieces in excellent shape. Their former owner had taken good care of them.

There were no Hagen Renakers among the large pieces, 

but there was a glass display cabinet with minis in it where I spied a couple of pieces that I suspected were Hagen Renakers.

Although I am not too familiar with HR cats (or other animals, for that matter), I do know the look and feel of Hagen Renakers, and these six pieces all had that Hagen Renaker look about them. 

I was right. They aren't particularly old or valuable, but they will make nice prizes or gifts for friends.

I've thought a lot about that collection's former owner, wondering who she was and what the story is behind her lovely collection of cats. Was it hard for her to give them up? Did she wonder who would buy them and where they would end up?

I sure wish I could tell her that the pieces I bought from it are in good hands and will be taken care of and enjoyed.

New Clinkies

It was a good mail day yesterday - I received another box from Nancy Falzone! After I'd purchased the Metlox Clydesdale, she'd asked if I were looking for anything else. I mentioned a few things, and soon new models were on their way to my home. 

 When I opened the box and cleared the top layer of packing peanuts,

I found four individually wrapped packages. It felt like I was opening another BreyerFest surprise horse or grab bag!

Nancy's packing jobs are always first rate. Each piece is carefully wrapped in several layers of paper and bubble wrap.

Inside the first package was a Hagen Renaker Scamper in matte palomino. (Photo by Nancy.)

 A Zebra of an unknown manufacturer was in the next one. (I have a guess, but want to confirm that after doing some research.)

An old Lefton Donkey (with the original label under his belly) was in the third. (Photo by Nancy.)

And last was this matte palomino Monrovia Roughneck.

Nancy included the card she used to document him - I am thrilled to have this piece of ephemera and to learn the history of the model. 

But there was one more surprise in that box.

Nancy had popped in a little gift - a Christmas ornament!

I always enjoy getting new models. But when they come from a friend, especially a dear friend like Nancy, they are sweet reminders of that friendship. And when I look at them on my shelves, not only do I see the horse, but I see my friend, too.

Black Diamond #2

Today I popped into an antique shop and found a piece I already had - a Lefton Saddlebred! But he was in mint condition and too nice and too inexpensive to be left behind.

He is so lovely.

 He is a Lefton and his number is H1446

 And, he has his original Made in Japan sticker and 108 incised into its inner thigh.

 My original, named Black Diamond, (who I got in the 1960s) is on the left.

 You can see subtle differences between the two.

 Mine is missing the H1 from his number, for one thing.

 It, too, has the 108 incised into the inner thigh.

 His hooves are a bit lighter and he does not quite stand square.

 My original has a narrower, longer blaze and slightly different eyes.

 The newer Black Diamond has less striping in his mane.

His tail has more white and that white color is brighter.

Black Diamond #2 will be offered for sale - I don't need two of them, and the original is one of my favorites and I would never replace it with another one. So why did I buy him? To get him into the hands of other collectors where he will be loved and appreciated.