Ty Beanie Baby Wise Owl with Graduation Cap (Errors Variant) Appraisal
Category: Collectible Plush Toy
Description
This item is a collectible plush toy, specifically identified as the Ty Beanie Baby character "Wise" the owl, adorned with a graduation cap. The owl stands approximately 6 to 7 inches tall, crafted from soft polyester fiber materials. Its physical appearance features a white plush belly and face, contrasting with the mottled grey and white patterned plush used for its back, wings, and head, effectively mimicking owl plumage. Distinctive large, dark brown plastic bead eyes give the owl a captivating gaze, complemented by a small, soft black fabric beak and discreet black fabric feet. A key distinguishing characteristic is the black square graduation cap, made of a felt-like material and securely stitched to the owl's head. An orange yarn tassel hangs from the right side of the cap. The front band of the cap is embroidered with gold-colored text that reads "CLASS 07 '99." The overall condition of the plush toy appears excellent with no visible signs of wear, tears, stains, or damage, suggesting it has been well-preserved. A red and white heart-shaped Ty swing tag is partially visible on its right side, indicating its originality and likely attachment. This particular Beanie Baby is claimed to possess "5 errors" as per the provided context. While only the unusual "CLASS 07 '99" embroidery on the cap is visually verifiable as a potential error or variant (as graduation caps typically bear a single year), other unconfirmed errors would commonly pertain to variations in the attached swing tag's poem, date, spelling, or the type of internal fill pellets (e.g., PVC vs. PE). These manufacturing anomalies are highly prized by collectors, significantly enhancing the item's rarity and value beyond a standard production piece. The craftsmanship is consistent with Ty Inc.'s quality standards for Beanie Babies, known for their durable stitching and soft, tactile materials. It originates from the late 1990s to early 2000s, reflecting the peak era of Beanie Baby collecting.
Appraisal Report
As a professional appraiser, I have carefully examined the provided description of your Ty Beanie Baby Wise Owl with Graduation Cap, specifically noting the claim of "5 errors." The item's condition appears excellent, with no visible signs of wear, tears, or damage, suggesting meticulous preservation. The partially visible Ty swing tag lends credibility to its authenticity as a genuine Ty product. Visually, the "CLASS 07 '99" embroidery on the cap is a distinct and unusual feature, strongly suggesting a manufacturing variant or error. In the specialized Beanie Baby market, standard "Wise" owls are common and hold minimal value. However, items with verifiable manufacturing errors are significantly more desirable and rare. The claim of "5 errors" elevates this piece from a common collectible to a potentially highly sought-after variant. Factors such as specific swing tag errors (typos, incorrect dates, rare poems), tush tag anomalies, and particularly the presence of PVC pellets (older, rarer fill) instead of PE pellets, dramatically increase market value. The combination of multiple such errors in excellent condition creates exceptional rarity and strong demand among serious collectors. It is crucial to note that this appraisal is based solely on the provided description and image. A definitive valuation and full authentication of the claimed "5 errors" would require a comprehensive in-hand examination. This would involve inspecting all aspects of the swing tag (front, inside, back), the tush tag for specific print variations, and physically assessing the internal fill for pellet type. Documentation confirming the item's provenance would also further underscore its authenticity and condition. Without this physical verification, the nature and significance of the unconfirmed errors remain theoretical.
Appraisal Value
$1,800 - $3,500