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PLUSH TUSH TAGS

The first run

1986 tush tag

The second run 

1986 tush tag

The 1987 “SMALL HEART” tush tag

1st Generation 
“OPEN HEART” Tush Tags

2nd Generation 
“SOLID HEART” Tush Tags

TO KEEP IT SIMPLE

ALL OF THE TUSH TAGS ABOVE WITH THE RED OUTLINED HEART AND BLACK COLORED “ty” ARE ALL CONSIDERED 1ST GENERATION also known as “OPEN HEART”

TUSH TAGS WITH THE RED COLORED HEART AND WHITE COLORED “ty” ARE CONSIDERED 2ND GENERATION also known as “SOLID HEART”. 

3rd Generation Tush Tags

The SMALL details

The details explained about most of these tush tags are not going to be of any importance to most if not all collectors.  I went through the trouble of dissecting every detail of the plush tush tag because many plush produced from 1987 to 1990 will never surface with its hang tag attached.  Knowing these details allows me to create chronological order for these plush even if no example with hang tag has ever surfaced. Each of these tush tag versions correspond to specific shipments of plush either chronological or factory specific meaning until all versions of tush tag are accounted for we do not know if all versions of the corresponding plush have been documented.  As with anything produced by Ty, there are often small changes made to the plush with each tush tag version sometimes subtle and sometimes dramatic.

1st generation tush tag naming

The naming technique I used for these tush tags is complex and confusing, bear with me! LOL

When I look at 1st generation tush tags I first look at the y of “ty”.  If you turn the y on its side, you can appreciate the two main differences.

The white part inside the bottom half of the “y” to me looks like it has a small bird beak, so I refer to these as “birdy”.
The alternative is this “y” which looks plain, I refer to this one as “thumb”

Another difference is the arrangement of the white dots. This does not change independently from birdy or thumb variations but noted here since it exists and could make differentiating these two easier for some.

Then I look at other important details. 

1) The period or comma following “OAKBROOK is very important. 

2) The 7 having a hook or not, is very important.

Since 1988 tush tags can not be differentiated this way without the 7, another detail can be used. (see 3 below)

3) The S in PELLETS looks squished with the 7 without a hook versions and looks like a normal S with the 7 with a hook.

     Note the period 

     vs this comma

     7 without a hook

      7 with a hook

     skinny “s” 

     vs. regular “s”

The complete analysis of plush tush tags

The first run of 1986 tush tags are embroidered.  These were produced for their release on their patent date 11/19/1986.  They were shipped directly to Ty’s residence where he personally airbrushed, sorted and shipped for delivery in time for Christmas of 1986.  This run concluded on 3/24/1987 when the second run was slated to begin production.  

The second run of 1986 tush tags are satin.  The production of plush paired with this tush tag ran from 3/24/1987 to November 1987.  The 1986 patent date is based on the original 11/19/1986 date from the first run.

The tush tags from here on are examples from destroyed plush for which I have removed the tush tag so they can be scanned for clearer image quality without distortion. 

SMALL HEART

The first tush tag after 1986 is this 1987 “small heart” tush tag.  The heart on this tush tag is sized identical to the 1986 satin tush tag above and was paired with new releases during 1987 while production of the second run 1986 continued. The production of plush paired with this tush tag ran from some time after 3/24/1987 to 11/5/1987, based on patent data.  The two versions correspond to plush that either have PVC pellets or do not; Jake and Jake Jr. are the only plush that would not have PVC pellets. 

PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED WITHOUT REVIEWING THE “1ST GENERATION TUSH TAG NAMING” SECTION ABOVE. THIS WILL BE YOUR FINAL WARNING, UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEXITY OF THESE TUSH TAGS SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED BY MOST.  

OPEN HEART Version 1

“1A 1988 birdy comma tush tag”

This Tush tag was introduced with the release of the “1988 Collection” I believe these are first run and would have shipped on 12/15/1987 as noted by the patent date.  These should have a 1987 tush tag date but for whatever reason these 1987 plush had a 1988 tush tag date for their first run.

TY, INC. © 1988
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 2

“birdy comma 1987 with a hook“

This tush tag comes with a 1A hang tag.
These were produced in early 1988.

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 3

This tush tag seems to usually come with 1B hang tag but sometimes 1A.
These were produced early mid 1988.

“1B thumb period 7 without a hook“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK. Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

“1B thumb period 1988 skinny “S” “

Compare this to version 4 as the S changes shape and distinguishes these two runs when otherwise we would not have the 7 to use as a guide.

TY, INC. © 1988
  OAKBROOK. Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 4

This tush tag comes with 1B hang tag.
These were produced mid to late 1988.

“1B thumb period 7 with a hook“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK. Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

“1B thumb period 1988 regular “S” “
Compare this to version 3 as the S changes shape and distinguishes these two runs when otherwise we would not have the 7 to use as a guide.

TY, INC. © 1988
  OAKBROOK. Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 5

This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in late 1988 to early 1989.

“1987 thumb GNS“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&GROUND
NUTSHELL
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

“1988 thumb GNS“

TY, INC. © 1988
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&GROUND
NUTSHELL
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 6

This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in late 1988 to early 1989.

“1987 birdy GNS“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&GROUND
NUTSHELL
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 7

Found on monkeys, reprint from the back side of the small heart tush tag.
This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in late 1988 to early 1989.

“1987 birdy centered“

TY, INC.
© 1987

  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 8

This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in late 1988 to early 1989.

“thumb comma 1987 without a hook wide“

Note the larger gap of white on either side of the heart as the tush tag is wider. The period on Il. hangs over the edge of the 1965.

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, Il .
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 9

This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in mid 1989.

“birdy comma 1987 with a hook, regular brown edge“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 10

This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in mid to late 1989.

“birdy comma 1987 with a hook, dark brown edge“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, Il.
PA.REG.NO.1965
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
HAND MADE IN KOREA

OPEN HEART Version 11

This tush tag comes with a TYWL hang tag.
These were produced in late 1989.

“1987/1988/1989 CONTENS IL. IN CLOTH BAG“

TY, INC. © 1989
  OAKBROOK, Il.
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN   CLOTH   BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

FLAT PLUSH NEVER LOSE THE “IN CLOTH BAG LINE” SO OTHER CLUES ARE NEEDED TO DIFFERENTIATE THOSE PLUSH.  ONLY FLAT PLUSH WITH “CONTENS” TUSH TAGS CAN POSSIBLY HAVE TYWL HANG TAGS BUT CAN ALSO HAVE 2A.1 HANG TAGS

STANDING AND SITTING PLUSH LOOSE THE “IN CLOTH BAG” LINE ONCE THEY MOVE FROM TYWL TO 2A.1

OPEN HEART Version 12

This tush tag comes with a 2A.1 2A.1G 2A.1Go, or 2A.2GTM hang tag.
These were produced in early to mid 1990.

“1987/1988/1989 CONTENS IL. NO IN CLOTH BAG“

TY, INC. © 1989
  OAKBROOK, IL.
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

OPEN HEART Version 13

This tush tag comes with a 2A.2Gtm hang tag.
These were produced in early to mid 1990.

“1987/1988/1989 CONTENTS IL. NO IN CLOTH BAG“

TY, INC. © 1989
  OAKBROOK, IL.
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

OPEN HEART Version 14

This tush tag comes with a 2A.2gtm or 2g-3B hang tag.
These were produced in late 1990.

“1987/1988/1989 CONTENTS OAKBOOK Il. (PERIOD)“

TY, INC. © 1989
  OAKBOOK, Il.
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

OPEN HEART Version 15

This tush tag comes with a 2A.2gtm or 2g-3B hang tag.
These were produced in early to late 1991.

“1987/1988/1989/1990 CONTENTS IL– (DASH)“

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBOOK, IL-
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN CLOTH BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

SOLID HEART Version 1

This tush tag comes with a 2g-3B hang tag.
These were produced in mid late 1991 to mid 1992.

“1987/1988/1989/1990/1991 3B“
Named for “ages 3 and up” and has the brown edges as usual.

TY, INC. © 1987
  OAKBROOK, IL-
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

EXAMPLES

SOLID HEART Version 2

This tush tag comes with a 2g-5B hang tag.
These were produced in mid late 1992 to mid 1993.

“1987/1988/1989/1990/1991/1992 5B“
Named for “ages 5 and up” and has the brown edges as usual.

TY, INC. © 1992
  OAKBROOK, IL-
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN CLOTH BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 5 AND UP

EXAMPLES

SOLID HEART Version 3

This tush tag comes with a 2g-5W hang tag.
These were produced in mid to late 1993.

“1987/1988/1989/1990/1991/1992/1993 5W“
Named for “ages 5 and up” but now has the white edge.

TY, INC. © 1991
  OAKBROOK, IL-
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
FIBER&P.V.C.PELLETS
IN CLOTH BAG
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 5 AND UP

SOLID HEART Version 3

This tush tag comes with a 2g-3W hang tag.
These were produced in late 1993 to late 1994.

“1987/1988/1989/1990/1991/1992/1993/1994 3W“
Named for “ages 3 and up” but now has the white edge.

TY, INC. © 1994
  OAKBROOK, IL-
REG.NO.PA-1965 (KR)
ALL NEW MATERIAL
CONTENTS:POLYESTER
HAND MADE IN KOREA
FOR AGES 3 AND UP

EXAMPLES

AN IMPORTANT NOTE!!

PLUSH THAT DO NOT CONTAIN PELLETS FOLLOW THEIR OWN TIME LINE!

THESE PLUSH WITHOUT PELLETS NEVER HAD TO UPDATE THEIR SAFTY RATING TO AGES 5 SO THEIR 3B TUSH TAG WAS PRODUCED FROM LATE 1991 TO MID 1993 AND 3W FROM MID 1993 TO LATE 1994. 

THESE WOULD INCLUDE MOST MONKEYS, McGEE STYLE BEARS WITH 1990 AND 1991 TUSH TAGS, MISTY, PEEPERS, WALLY, HOOTERS, SHIVERS, TWIGGY, OTTO, CHESTNUT, PRAYER BEARS, LARGE SCRUFFY THE BEAR, AND PAPA BEARS.

EXAMPLES OF 3RD GENERATION TUSH TAGS

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