Topic: IOW maximal polar bear??? in black and white ? what do you think

[rosieposie]

Sue, can you  be certain that Michelle's bear is IOM......mine was so similar, and had an IOW label.

[rosieposie]

My original black polar bear like yours Michele, was sold as a badger, and as I was collecting Badgers at the time, I was disappointed with it. The smaller azurene bear was also sold as a badger, and I thought " Huh! That isn't a badger!" when they arrived and put them back up for sale!!
Little did I know then, that I would one day be an avid IOW and IOM glass collector!!

[chopin-liszt]

I didn't think IoWSG made them in anything but the Azurene finish, Rosie, although checking the book - I see that in 1983 only, a few coloured ones were tried - but I don't know in what, if any, patterns or colour mixes.
 
Your IoWSG ones have that little turn to the head, which gives them character - the St. John's one's don't have that - they're more just lumps of glass in a set shape.

However, never say never!
As you know, there's a new range of maximals/minimals out - officially all azurene - but I have a little penguin, in just surface decorated in plain blue. (Labelled - it was my free gift for renewing my subscription)

[rosieposie]

Hi again Sue.... I had a long chat to Ron and Ann about these little fellows whilst I was at the Cambridge Glass Fair, and there were some coloured ones produced by IOW and I know that the one I had was an IOW one, and was just like Michelle's....with a whitish streak through the head and back....I think that's why the seller thought it was a badger.

[chopin-liszt]

I bow to your superior knowledge of these, Rosie.  :kissy:

[rosieposie]

Well Ron and Ann's knowledge really, they told me so much about them.....not that I can remember everything they said....but we did chat about the Giftmart stuff at length.....I think we discussed it as well, didn't we Sue?

Here is another picture of the minimal azurene one sold as a badger....I ask myself now....how could I have possibly considered selling it on!!!  :cry: :cry:

[chopin-liszt]

I'm personally positive the giftmart ones are leftover St John's stock, possibly from after the court case following their decision to act outwith the terms of their license.

(but, as you know, I'm not an afficionado of pwts and animally things. much.)

[Baked_Beans]

Thanks Rosie for all the fab. photos  :chky: . I had no idea that azurene came in all types of different colours . I thought it was just gold and silver !

It's superb you still have the photos and can share them here and pass on your knowledge !

These bears are wonderful and really something to look out for.


Ta very much ,  Mike. 

[rosieposie]

Here's a small group.....hope you like them Mike....


The pink at the back are Caithness and Tweedsmuir, not IOW!!

[Baked_Beans]

WoW !

How cute are those baby elephants ! And the ducks !

I didn't know IOWSG produced such a diverse range and I havn't seen any on my glass hunting expeditions. :hi: