Ty Cardinal Appraisal

Ty Beanie Baby 'Mac' the Cardinal

The item is a Ty Beanie Baby plush toy, specifically the 'Mac' the Cardinal. It is small, fitting comfortably in an adult's hand, suggesting a size of approximately 5-7 inches in height. The primary color is a vibrant red, mimicking the plumage of a male Northern Cardinal. The material appears to be a soft plush fabric, typical of Beanie Babies, filled with polyethylene pellets, which give them their characteristic floppy and poseable nature. Notable features include a small red beak, and a distinct black facial mask around the eyes, though the eyes themselves are not clearly visible. The most striking characteristic is the tuft of spiky, bright red 'feather' material on its head, replicating the crest of a cardinal. Attached to its left wing is the iconic red heart-shaped 'Ty' tag, which is partially visible. This tag is a crucial identifier for Beanie Babies and often indicates the manufacturing details on its inside. Below the main hang tag, there might be a tush tag, which is the fabric tag sewn into the toy itself, containing washing instructions, safety warnings, and sometimes production information. The overall condition appears to be good, with no obvious signs of significant wear, tears, or fading visible from the provided image. The plush material seems intact, and the shape is well-maintained, suggesting careful handling. The presence of the hang tag enhances its collectible value. Based on the Ty branding and the specific design, this item belongs to the late 20th century, likely from the mid-1990s when Beanie Babies were at the peak of their popularity. The craftsmanship is consistent with mass-produced collectible plush toys, with uniform stitching and material application.