Seal of approval

We were recently asked by a collector to find one each of the variations of large and mini seals from the Swarovski Silver Crystal range. The family portrait below shows all the family members together just before they set off to their new home.

In 1985 the large seal, designed by Max Schreck was introduced as part of the “Kingdom of Ice and Snow” theme group. This continued in production until 1995, but was produced in 3 different styles. Originally, it is believed that the (now called variation 1) seal which has a black button style nose and no whiskers was available in the European market. In the USA, however, their large seal was different (now called variation 2). This one has silver whiskers and his tail fins are splayed. The date of introduction of the more familiar black whiskered large seal (mostly commonly in variation 4) is also given as 1985, and this is the one which appeared worldwide following the discontinuation of the other 2 styles of seals. However, due to differing head placements on this piece, we have variation 3 (looking straight forward – but also with splayed tail flukes, although not as extreme as in variation 2), variation 4 (looking towards the left) and the more rare one, variation 5 (looking to the right)! Quite a family! All the large seals share the same code numbers (012 261 / 7646 085 000 or 7646NR85 in USA) and they are 3 1/2” (89mm) in length.

Of course, the variety of different noses/whiskers did not just apply to the large seal. Three variations of the very cute mini seal also exist. Variation 1 with the black button nose and no whiskers (also believed to be exclusive to Europe), Variation 2 with silver whiskers which was a USA exclusive and Variation 3, the more widely known one, which has black whiskers and was available globally. The mini seals were designed by Adi Stocker and are 1 1/2” (38mm) long and introduced in 1986. The button nose and silver whiskered mini seals were discontinued to be replaced globally by the black whiskered mini seal, which was retired in 2005.

Quite a family!