We debated how to share this set – as individual pieces, or as a group. In context with other sets, vs. on it’s own. Here we have what has become known as the “Faith Set” of original 9 prototypes. Let’s take a step back. Faith McGowan, a figure we have brought up in articles past, was a very influential figure in Mr. Warner’s life, and in the creation of many Ty lines + styles. She and Ty were once engaged – one of her daughters was originally credited with the design of Spook(y) the ghost. She and Mr. Warner were living together when he showed her the original beanie baby prototype – an olive green Legs the frog! We have seen that many of the original (remarkable) prototypes displayed at the original Tyriffic Stores, when they were returned to Ty, ended up with Faith. Not all, but a good portion. Ty and Faith eventually parted ways and she sold many of her original pieces.
Quite a few of her pieces were moved privately, and directly by 1-2 reputable dealers, so provenance can be traced back to their original source – how the “Tyriffic” status is certain, even if no picture proof exists of many of these pieces on display at the Tyriffic stores. While over the years, we have seen signature Faith pieces – lime green Slither, yellow Nana, etc. – the original 9 prototype set had been MIA for quite sometime, though the pieces were among the earliest graded prototypes with grades dated as far back as 2003 (predating the original proto-gate) – see below for authentication certification pictures. The collector who purchased the set (pictures below) eventually sold them and split up the set. We are going to review these pieces individually below, but none have pax tags (lines up with Faith/Tyriffic pieces), and this set is similar to one other original 9 prototype set that has survived/was saved by a senior Ty executive.
Rarity Rank: 0-.5 Ranking these pieces is tricky. To be sure, these are genuine, true departures for original 9 prototypes. Full stop. That puts them in extremely limited company. As a set (if united) their potency grows. Their provenance also pushes them into rarer territory (original, Tyriffic pieces, with confirmed provenance traced back to Faith). The cons/limiting factors if we had to – and some of these things may actually be strengths for certain collectors – again, these items are so unique and rare, that personal preference comes into play – their departures are not full – they are extremity differences. Though those departures are for the most part bold. It leaves enough of the original production design in place to make these pieces instantly recognizable for what they are, but with enough departure for you to know this is a very special set indeed. No pax tags – again understandable given these are Tyriffic pieces – and further excusable, given provenance back to Faith is clear. Surviving population – two other original 9 sets have survived and been assembled – both have pax tags with 1992 dates, and stronger (wild) departures. Individually, these hold a bit less power and awe. But still, how incredibly remarkable. Owning this particular set would be a collecting dream for anybody, including this author. And of all the items on this blog, actually a top 5 for us.
Brownie (Cubbie) – this guy has orange fabric for his ears, nose, and tail! Production honey brown fabric and brown nose. An early 2003 authentication date!
Spot – Red eye patch, ears, and tail! Production white fabric. This is similar to the brown and white Spot we will be reviewing shortly. Very vivid!
Squealer – Fuchsia snout, ears, and tail! Stands out in a crowd:). Production pink fabric elsewhere.
Flash – 3 white fins! A bit more subtle, but remarkable all the same.
Chocolate – fuchsia antlers! Similar to production otherwise. Another detail that makes this piece pop! Early 2004 authentication grade. We have seen other chocolate prototypes that also either just have alternate color antlers, or that have used the fuchsia fabric…
Splash – 3 white fins! A bit more subtle, but remarkable all the same.
Pinchers – Punchers/Pinchers (early 2003 grade) – PINK belly, antennae and tail stiches. Tougher to appreciate this piece from afar. Also similar to its counterpart proto in the second early known original 9 proto set.
Legs – YELLOW feet and black eyes. This one also pops!
Patti – deep fuchsia patti with light PINK beak and feet. This is tougher to see. There exists another deep fuchsia patti prototype with similar departures.
After reviewing this set, it makes more sense why these were selected to be showcased at the Tyriffic Store! They really do pop, but retain the look and feel of the production set.
Rarest Beans 