Britannia, the first British exclusive piece, caused an international frenzy upon its release. Original examples had a patch flag. Regular renditions had a regular sewn flag. A prototype with a sewn flag in solid white first appeared in the Tyriffic Store as one of the flagship prototypes on display. This piece – the Tyriffic White Britannia, sat alongside the equally famous Tyriffic white Erin prototype. When pieces were later shuffled, the white Britannia and Erin ended up on the top shelf next to a (still mia) green bronty prototype with patch and the original 9 tie-dyed legs prototype (also currently mia). This Britannia prototype piece also appears to have a brown nose.
Two other white patch flag prototype Britannias have also surfaced over the years. The first, White patch Britannia #1, (pictured at the bottom of this page next to a red Maple, and in a group shot with other rares) ended up as a crown jewel in Kevin Band’s collection – the largest seller/reseller/collector in the UK for over a decade. This piece sat at the very top of his vast collection.
The second White patch Britannia #2 surfaced a few years ago from Ty – pax dates from 1996 – over a year before the production piece was released (12/31/97).
Rarity Rank: 1.75 These bears are all exquisite and represent vivid departures for an iconic staple in the Ty Teddy line. The Tyriffic example is without pax tags, but has the Tyriffic notoriety to set it apart. All three magnificent pieces!
Rarest Beans 