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.
