GLC Live

I hardly ever go to model horse shows, even those relatively close in the Chicago area. Great Lakes Congress in Huntley (a Chicago suburb) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and I have never gone to one of its shows. Not once! (Hate that Chicago traffic.)

But despite the pressure to get quiet books finished and parent/teacher conferences scheduled a week prior to the show, I sent in my entry and went. I planned and packed my showstring more than a week ahead as I was so busy.

What a fun show! The people running it were nice, the showers friendly, the judges knowledgable. And I ran into old friends (Sande Schneider, Karen Beeson, and Chris Walbruch), too!

 My show table - all unpacked and ready to go.

I did not take all my usual show pieces, instead choosing to try a few others and see how they did. And I did okay, qualifying five pieces for the North American Nationals.

 This piece always does well. It was a large class of nearly 30 horses.

 A last minute addition to my show tub - my Raku Lakeshore Marshall.

I nearly left Queen Noor home, too, (she has slight ear tip rubs) but she took second in a large class of OF Plastic Arabians.

 "She is just so cute. I love your Foalzilla!" the judge told me. She also commented on her extreme shading. Nearly left her at home, too!

I've had this piece for nearly two decades and never taken it to a show. Kathy Bateman found it as a white bisque at an estate sale. There were two; she kept one and gave me the other. In 2004 I had Janis Whitcomb paint it to look like my real Quarter Horse, Cee Hunt.

He caused a bit of a stir - no one can identify the mold or maker, including me. And, he's huge - not quite Foalzilla scale, but certainly bigger than a traditional sized model.

Spanish Riding School of Vienna Gift Set

I have wanted this piece for a LONG time, and watched several go for more money than I wanted to pay on eBay and other model sales site. So, when I saw it listed for $75 plus free shipping (while another was listed at $170 with shipping extra!) I bid on it and won!

Spanish Riding School of Vienna Gift Set, #3393, 2001 only, 5000 made, $75 eBay/L. Comfort of Pittsburgh, PA, 2/2015

 Back of box.

 The model is a beautiful pearly white with a pink muzzle.

 Inside the lid that lifts up.

Unknown Japan Horse

I found this piece at Klassy Klutter in the side room with the collection of china and Japan horses. At first I thought it was a Mortens Studio - it certainly has that look, and the eyes are a lot like the "frog eyes" Mortens have.

There is crazing on the legs, so I know it is an older piece. I'll put it out on Blab and some of the other china collectors' sites and see if anyone can identify it.

 Unknown china black horse, $6, Klassy Klutter, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015/

 The frog eyes that remind me of a Mortens Studio piece.

The blue green and gold sticker reads, "Blue Grass Champion."

A Hagen Renaker and Three Imitations

After Sell It Here, I headed to Devine's Antiques (nothing), Leaping Leopard (nothing), and Klassy Klutter. BINGO!!

In the side room, there was a table with a lot of china and Japan horses. This group, sold as a set, caught my eye. I knew the reclining horse was a real Hagen Renaker. I suspected the other three pieces were Japan copies, and I was right.

 Set of four china horses, $9, Klassy Klutter, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

 HR Reclining Horse, A-209, 1951 - 1952, $9/set of four, Klassy Klutter, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

 The crazing in his glaze is typical of older Hagen Renakers. (I LOVE the old HRs!)

The picture isn't the best, but you can see "HR" incised into the underside.) I actually already have this piece, and will probably sell this one.

(Left) Japan imitation of HR Frisky Colt A-147 made 1952 - 1953,  $9 set of 4, Klassy Klutter, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

(Middle) Japan imitation of HR Saddle Horse A-146 made 1952 - 1953, $9 set of 4, Klassy Klutter, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

(Right) Japan imitation of HR Standing Colt #A-148 made 1952 - 1953, $9 set of 4, Klassy Klutter, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

Boxer

Also at Sell It Here last Tuesday, a beautiful boxer with chain collar. I was not sure if the collar was authentic, but according to Nancy Young's book, it is.

 Boxer, #66, 1954 - 1973, $6.50, Sell It Here, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

 I love his gorgeous carmel color!

His right eye is lighter than the other for some reason, but that's the only flaw I see.

Proud Arab Mare

Tuesday, I was feeling burned out by school and sewing. Instead of coming home after work as planned, I decided to run to a couple of antique shops and look for HSO. Bonus!!

First up is this Proud Arabian Mare (new mold.)

 PAM (new mold), #217 USA stamp in alabaster, 1972-1976 and 1978-1981, $12, Sell It Here, Lafayette, Indiana, 2/2015.

She's yellowed (a sunny window will help that!) and she has some extra plastic on her right hip, but she is still a lovely piece.