This is such a great prototype pair. The original Lefty the donkey and Righty the elephant came out in June of 1996, ahead of the 1996 election. They had many reincarnations in progressive election years, but this original pair was affectionately known as two thirds of the “American Trio”. These prototypes here have full pax tags + late 1995 pax dates. This lines them up as late-stage prototypes just about honed in on final release. But with some very neat departures. Lefty has white extremities (instead of black) and royal blue (looped/uncut) mane + blue nostrils! Righty has the same departures, but also with red braided tail. Both do make these pieces, in our opinion, a bit more visually appropriate for their respective party colors.
Rarity Rank: 2. Very popular and well known pieces of the hobby. Among the most famous (and back in the day) most difficult 4th generation pieces to track down. All pax tags, and moderate visual departures from production. These may have nearly been selected as final production released pieces! There is one other known Lefty prototype – one with a body in solid yellow/orange that was displayed at the Tyriffic Store in Chicago. But that piece has yet to surface.
