Mary T's Attic A Place for Quality Cherished Teddies Trivia: Early Release Pieces

Enesco has started to distinguish the early release of some pieces with either an "Early Edition" understamp or an "IPR" (Initial Production Run) understamp. The Cherished Friends teddy bear series is the first series of bears to be released with the IPR understamp to select adoption centers. IPR pieces have "Initial Production Run" on the understamp, along with a heart saying "IPR" in blue ink. The boxes of IPR pieces have a gold IPR heart sticker. The non-IPR versions of these pieces will be available to all retailers.

Albert and Susann: Released in the fall of 1999, this figurine featuring a lemonaid stand is the first to come with an "Early Edition" understamp. This piece was only available to retailers who attended an Enesco summer show.

Bailey and Friend: One of the Cherished Friends series pieces released in fall 1999, this piece has the saying - It's Not the Size of the Friend, But the Size of Their Heart. The Cherished Friends series of bears are the first Cherished Teddies to have fur on the pads of their feet.

Bailey and Friend: One of the Cherished Friends series pieces released in fall 1999, this piece has the saying The Only Thing More Contagious Than a Cold is a Best Friend. The first part of the "initial run" of this piece contains an understamp error: "Contagious" is spelled "Contagions".

Bailey IPR Bottom

Bailey Error IRP Bottom

Homer and Friend: One of the Cherished Friends pieces featuring friends on a rocking horse, this piece has the saying Adventure is Just Around the Corner.

Sawyer and Friends: This Cherished Friends hugging piece has the saying Hold Onto the Past, But Look to the Future.

Tess and Friend: The fourth piece of the Cherished Friends series, this piece features two friends reading a book and has the saying Things Do Not Change, We Do.