Hagen Renaker miniature made in America Racoon Baby First version retired HTF

Description

This is Racoon Baby first version by Tom Masterson.  It is model 164 and stands 1 1/2" tall.  It had a hole in its hand to hold an artificial flower.  It was produced only in 1952 and is quite hard to find.
Hagen is the only manufacturer of miniature ceramic animals left in the U.S. The company was founded in 1945 by Maxine and John Renaker.  Maxine passed away a few years ago at the age of 89.  The company continues under the leadership of their daughter to produce these lovely animals in San Dimas, CA.
One of the characteristics of ceramics is that as they age they develop small hairline cracks in the finish called crazing. This is normal and is not considered a flaw. If you see some residue around the bottom it is just the paper from the sticker.  It comes off with warm soapy water.
Now speaking of the sticker or the card, Hagen Renaker offers their miniatures either with or without a card. Cards were for the benefit of some retailers so they could price the items and to reduce breakage on the shelf.
They were never intended to be displayed, once purchased, with the card, this would be as tacky as Minnie Pearl leaving the price tags on her hats.
Many, many pieces are shipped at the customer’s request without a card.
Cards add nothing to the value of a piece except to prove to untrained collectors that they are authentic.
Some of my pieces have cards others do not.
If they have a card chances are it will not be pristine, they might be badly wrinkled or torn etc. If an item is pictured with a card, it may come without the card.
If paper cards are important to you please ask before buying.
I know Hagen pretty well (I worked for the company in a former life) and will sell nothing but authentic Hagen Renaker pieces.
I will identify any damages that I find on a piece otherwise you can rest assured that is in excellent condition with no breaks or chips. All Hagen’s are hand painted so there may be some slight variation from piece to piece. Also the sizes can vary from the number of items taken from a single mold.
Also occasionally a small piece of slurry from the mold or kiln might get on the piece resulting in a tiny bump in the glaze this is all normal with hand produced pieces. The pieces get slightly larger as the mold is used.
Molds can last as few as 25 pieces before detail starts to be diminished and a new mold is put into play.
In some cases I have or have had more than one of a particular animal, so the photo may or may not be the exact one you get.
If this is an issue please let me know and I will see what I can do
I expect you to be completely pleased with your purchase.
If not, please contact me immediately so I can rectify the situation.
You may always return any piece for a full refund if not pleased. When you have received your item and are pleased, please leave positive feedback and I will do the same for you.
Selling on EBay is a hobby, I have a full time job.
I enjoy talking with folks all over the world and love getting feedback.
I like dealing with nice people and have found the world to be full of them.
If you are a grump please buy from someone else.
Shipping:
I ship every morning Monday through Saturday.
If I receive payment during the night it goes out the next morning.
If I receive it during the day it goes out the following morning.
I use new boxes, include a packing slip and wrap loosely in tissue to allow the item some space to move without breaking.
I do not use tape on the wrapping inside the package so you don’t have to be a surgeon to unwrap.
I never gouge on shipping and I give breaks in shipping for multiple pieces.  If you order more than one please let me send you the invoice before you pay to reflect the lower price. Sorry, but
I can only ship to the address you have listed in pay pal.
This is not because I am inflexible, it is because PayPal does not allow me to change the shipping address and I do all addresses and postage through PayPal.
International Customers:
I ship worldwide and prefer to use International first class, it is by far the least expensive and the most practical for inexpensive items .
I have had very good luck with this service. However,
using this service does not allow me to insure the shipment or to track it
.
).
I can provide proof that I shipped the item but cannot be responsible if it does not arrive
. I have only had one person ever make this claim. If you do not trust the mail system of your country then let me know and I will ship a more secure (and expensive way, as much as 10 times).
I do combine shipping, so if you buy more than one item please wait for an invoice.