11/12/01: The following was posted on SmartCollecting today from Peggy Gallagher:

Q. "I have 2 Pinchers Beanie Babies that have some very noticeable differences and need your help. The first one I have had for a few years and has a 5th generation hang tag with a 6th generation tush tag that is attached to its left side just above the tail. The one that I just recently purchased at a yard sell has a 4th generation hang tag and a 3rd generation Canadian tush tag that is attached to the right side of the tail. The 5th generation one is about 1/2 inch shorter in the body and just a litter darker red material and is stuffed fuller than the 4th generation one. Which one is real? Thanks and I really appreciate all the hard work you do for us beanie lovers." Judi, KS United States of America

A. "This is a wonderful question! You are describing 2 authentic Pinchers. Pinchers is one of the original 9 Beanies. He also was originally released with the name, "Punchers" on his ty heart tag. Usually the earlier released Punchers and Pinchers did have a deeper red color fabric. Some did have the tush tag sewn on the right side of the body. The earlier lobster was also slightly larger. Many Pinchers have the longer thinner antennae. The later released Pinchers are slightly smaller, with a shorter antennae and the tush tag is sewn on the left side of the body! It is possible for an authentic Pinchers to have the tush tag sewn on either side of the body! Since this lobster is an original 9 Beanie many collectors are searching, for any tag variation, to own one of the very popular original 9 Beanie Babies!" Peggy Gallagher, Smart Collecting's Counterfiet Expert and the leading authenticator of Ty products

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