Chalky Belgian?

Chalky models are hot, hot, hot in the hobby right now. A chalky is a model which was painted over in white paint and then had another color put over that, or a model which was done in an unusually colored plastic that affects the final color of the piece. Most are from the 1970s and 1980s, but they can be found across the history of the company. (See post after this for a more thorough definition.)

Years ago, Karen Lebeda Beeson told me she thought my Belgian might be a chalky. Ever since, I have tried to determine for certain if he is or not.

Here's a chalky Belgian that another person owns for comparison.

 The mane and the white socks are the give away on it.

Now, here's  my Belgian.

 Mine has a similar mane.

 This picture isn't the best, but that hind leg in the back looks distinctly chalky to me.

Here's a better shot.

There are some hobbyists who turn up their noses and say, "If you have to ask, then it's NOT a chalky!" implying that chalkies are obvious and unmistakeable. But that's not necessarily true, and some of those same hobbyists post pictures on Blab asking if particular pieces are chalky or not.

So, I think it's safe to say that chalkies are NOT always obvious, even if you have seen many and know what they should look like.

I am really leaning toward designating this big guy as a chalky.

Levi - Vintage Collectors' Club 2014

Levi is the first piece for the 2014 Vintage Collectors' Club and he is a keeper!!

 Levi, #712102HD, Vintage Collector Club #1 2014, 1/2014, $135

 I think he is gorgeous.

 And possibly a chalky.

 Love his pink nose.

And Breyer has brought back the vintage boxes this year!!

Zebra #4

There were two of these lying down Zebras at the antique shop.  Both had a flake on one ear, but one had some other breaks so I chose this one.

Lying Down Zebra, Japan, 1950s or 1960s, $8.50. Raven's Roost Antiques, 1/2014

 Mint Japan sticker on base.

A traditional Breyer with the two to show the scale and size.

Zebra #3

And on to Zebra #3!

He's big - Breyer Traditional size. And I REALLY like him.

Traditional sized Japan Zebra, unknown number and maker, $8.50, Raven's Roost Antiques, 1/2014.

He's traditional sized and most likely a Japan from the 1950s, maybe 1960s.

And he has a partial sticker on his belly.

I had difficulty finding a picture of him on Google images, so I think he must be pretty hard to find, certainly harder to find that Zebras #1 and #2.

A photo from the internet (eBay auction.)

Another photo from the same auction.

I will post pictures of him and the other large, lying one on Model Horse Blab and see what I can find out.

Zebra #2

Here is zebra #2. It is a Stone Critter (United Design Corporation, Norman, Oklahoma) from the 1990s and is made of hydrostone. Initially I thought this was a foal, but it is an adult zebra.

 Zebra, Stone Critters, #SC-235, manufactured 1990s, $6.95, Raven's Roost Antiques, 1/2014.

A view of his underside and label.

Just for fun, here is a picture of my two other Stone Critters. Believe it or not, both have won prizes at shows and NAN qualified!

Popcorn (the palomino and a favorite) and Roadkill (lying foal, named by another hobbyist at a live show when I put him in a mascot class. The name has stuck.)

Zebra #1

I found some zebras at Raven's Roost Antiques during winter break just after New Year's Day. I left them behind, too, so I could think about purchasing them. I don't collect zebras, but they are equids and these are very unusual and probably have some value.

So, after thinking about them for a week, I went back to the store and bought several of them. (There are others I left behind.)

The first is a Hagen Renaker imitation, probably from Japan. I have found it listed on eBay as manufactured by UCCTI, Japan (although I cannot find any information about the company online) and another listing called it a Fern. Mine has no labels or identification markings.

It seems to be the most common of the ones I brought home as I found several pictures of it online.

 Zebra Mama, HR knock-off from Japan, $6.95, 1/2014, Raven's Roost Antiques.

 The flip side.

There is a matching foal, but it was not in the collection at the shop. Here's a picture of it with the mama.

 Photo from Google images of an eBay listing.

Here is the real Hagen Renaker Zebra Mama and foal. Note the head is not turned and the legs are in a different position.

Photo from The Hagen-Renaker Museum, Ed Alcorn.

Hagen Renaker Zebra mama and babies

Produced 1952 only

Designed by Helen Perrin Farnlund

First Purchases of 2014

First up for the new year, a Hagen Renaker Circus pony with maroon/lavender harness.

 Hagen Renaker Circus Pony, A-266, $30, 1/2014, Lucy Kusluch, Springfield, TX.

I LOVE circus items, and I bought these Hagen Renaker imitations from Nancy Kelly. (Picture taken by Nancy; puppy not purchased.)

Begging Dog, Monkey, and Seal, Shiken Bone China, Japan, Circus Dog, $13/each, 1/2014, Nancy Kelly, DeWitt, MI.