Wowsers! This is a full radical color departure for the original 9 lobster, Pinchers! In 1st generation, it is in fact easier to find the error tag “Punchers” – little known fact:). A MQ 4L 1st generation Pinchers is extremely tough to locate. Although, tougher still is a 1st generation Pinchers made in China…. This is the most vivid known prototype for Pinchers – complete with pax hang tag and tush tag. The pax dates are mid 1992 – right in line with the earliest dates for true original 9 prototypes. Pinchers/Punchers is among one of the more popular original 9 pieces given the frenzy back in the day to locate one with the Punchers hang tag – then viewed as the rarer variation/more in demand, given it only existed in 1st generation (while “Pinchers” could be found with a 2nd gen+ hang tag – often sufficient for most collectors).
Rarity Rank: -.5 Another of our top 10 favorite pieces in the entire hobby. This full departure original 9 prototype Pinchers, checks every elite box there is: full color departure, earliest pax dates and tags, striking violet fabric. This is the earliest appearance of this fabric – later seen on the Violet teddy. A sneak peek below of the Original 9 prototype set this Pinchers is a part of! We are building our way to the review of a few pieces still unseen (Splash, Spot, and Squealer).
Rarest Beans 