S e c r e t s

The pigs on the first 1400 figurines were painted ivory, pink, and brown. The next 4200 were left unpainted. In May 1997, the original colouration was re-introduced in response to collectors’ feedback. Inside the box figurine is the pigs’ favourite fruit, an apple, but a small number have been found empty. “Blue 20.4.96,” etched inside a pig’s ear, marks the arrival of a new member to the Calvesbert family, Andrea’s horse, Soldier Blue. Inscribed along the top rim of the box is the alphanumeric code “2125” for Babe, the pig made famous first by a local English children’s writer, and then on the big screen. Hallmarks include ©, diamond, clock face with month 4, interior HBC logo, and Pc.