PROTOTYPES & LIMITED RELEASE

Littlest Pet Shop prototypes include: unreleased prototypes that never entered pre-production phases; limited release sets that were produced in very small quantities; original artwork that was used to produce graphics for packaging, accessories, and advertisements; hard copies (resin prototypes) that were used to create molds or to stage advertising photos; first shots, which tested steel molds; and pre-production & production samples, which were sent to Kenner's departmental heads for approval before toys went into production.

UNRELEASED PROTOTYPES
 

A variety of Littlest Pet Shop sets existed only as prototypes and never went into mass production.  Collectors know of these prototypes either through promotional images or through various Kenner sources. 

Unreleased prototypes that were pictured in promotional images but never produced most likely existed only as hard copies; these hard copies were probably cancelled before being used to create molds.

The Kenner Morgue
(1992 - 1996)

The Kenner Morgue was a building in Cincinnati, Ohio that housed pre-production models, artwork, files, etc. for Kenner's various toy lines.  Shortly after Hasbro bought Kenner, it closed its Cincinnati location.  An inventory of items in the so-called "morgue" was made, with specifications of which items should be shipped for storage to Hasbro's Rhode Island location and which items should be disposed of.

Thanks to KennerCollector.com, this inventory list is now available!  It includes a plethora of Littlest Pet Shop items, including artwork, pre-production models, and several prototypes that never made it into production.  According to a memo that accompanied the inventory, an employee named Heather "indicated she would like to have [LPS] sent [to Rhode Island]."

The entire morgue inventory is available at KennerCollector.com in six parts.

For the purpose of expediency, the following is a list I've compiled of all of the LPS-related items found in the morgue inventory (listed in order of appearance).  Any items in bold are what I believe to be prototypes that were never put into mass release.  All other items appear to be prototypes for sets that were ultimately released into circulation.

LPS Die Cast Mini Collection [Part 1]
LPS Hippo, Lions, Ostrich [Part 1] 
LPS Realistic Test Models [Part 1]
LPS #4 [Part 1]
LPS #5 [Part 1]
LPS #6 [Part 1]
LPS #3 [Part 1]
LPS #2 [Part 1]
LPS #1 [Part 1]
Beethoven (?) [Part 1]
Chatter Pets, Mouse & Babies, Checkup Pets [Part 1]
Pet Prints (?) [Part 1]
LPS Beethoven '94 [Part 1]
LPS Bobcat '94 [Part 1]
LPS Horses (Painted) '94 [Part 1]
LPS Horses '94 [Part 1]
LPS Petting Zoo Models [more info/photos] [Part 1]
LPS Sea Otter '94 [Part 1]
LPS Pony Extra Sample - Rootmasters [Part 2]
LPS Chatter Pets [Part 2]
LPS Talk 'n Trim [Part 2]
LPS Water Time [Part 2]
LPS Zoo Case, Pet Show [Part 2]
LPS Zoo Nursery [Part 2]
LPS 399 Cost - Mommy Pets [Part 2]
LPS FF Explore Pets [Part 2]
LPS Forever Friends [Part 2]
LPS True Life Collection [Part 2]
LPS Carrying Case Pets [Part 2]
LPS Farm  [more info/photos] [Part 2]
LPS Misc LPS (94) [Part 2]
LPS Monkeys [Part 2]
LPS Artwork, Boards [Part 3]
LPS Misc [Part 3]
Beethoven - Missy & Babies Files (?) [Part 3]
Beethoven To Go - Files (?) [Part 3]
LPS 1991 Promo [Part 3]
LPS Cost Info [Part 3]
LPS Dino - Files [Part 3]
LPS Misc 1991-92 - Files [Part 3]
LPS Mommy's &  Babies - Files [Part 3]
LPS Pet Priate - Files [Part 3]
LPS Prize Winning Pups - Files [Part 3]
LPS Sample - Files E.Lutz [Part 3]
LPS Testing - Files E.Lutz [Part 3]
LPS World Of - Files [Part 3]
LPS Zoo Keep Me Safe - Files [Part 3]
Zoo Nursery - Files [Part 3]
Zoo Ponies - Files [Part 3]
LPS Crystal Sea Pets Fep. S. Parts [Part 3]
Pet Shop Ideations Girls Team (?) [Part 3]
LPS Ponies - Release Samples [Part 3]
LPS Early Model [Part 3]
LPS '93 Inactive Proj Files [Part 3]
LPS '94 Inactive Proj Files [Part 3]
LPS B.Ponies '95 Sculpting Input [Part 4]
LPS Beethoven '95 Sculpting Input [Part 4]
LPS Care CTR 2D's [Part 4]
LPS Charm Promo Art Boards [Part 4]
LPS Chatter '95 Sculpting Input [Part 4]
LPS Label Art '95 Sculpting Input [Part 4]
LPS Ponies 2D's [Part 4]
LPS S.Ponds '95 Sculpting Input [Part 4]
LPS SeaWorld 2D's [Part 4]
LPS Watertime '95 Sculpting Input [Part 4]
LPS Zoo 2D's [Part 4]
FW LPS Cases, Jewelry Boxes [Part 4]
Check Up Pets 1993 [Part 4]
LPS Carry Case Files [Part 4]
LPS Historical Files [Part 4]
LPS Pet Care Center Files [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Case Files [Part 4]
LPS Country Home Playcase [Part 4]
LPS Beethoven Product [Part 4]
LPS Carrying Case Model [Part 4]
LPS I Love My Pet Samples [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Product [Part 4]
LPS Stable Proto  [more info/photos] [Part 4]
LPS Birdie Locket Proto [Part 4]
LPS Bunny Locket Proto [Part 4]
LPS Carousel Playset Proto [Part 4]
LPS Kitty Chocker Proto [Part 4]
LPS Kitty Locket [Part 4]
LPS Puppy Chocker Proto [Part 4]
LPS Puppy Locket Proto [Part 4]
LPS Turtle Family Proto [Part 4]
LPS Baby Ponies Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Beethoven - Files [Part 4]
LPS Beethoven's Playtime Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Budget - Files [Part 4]
LPS Care Center - Files [Part 4]
LPS Charm Bracelet - Files [Part 4]
LPS Chatter Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Cozy Home Beethoven - Files [Part 4]
LPS Cozy Home Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Cozy Home Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Cozy Home Pets Redeco - Files [Part 4]
LPS Feeding Time Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Glamour Ponies - Files [Part 4]
LPS Licensor Approval - Files [Part 4]
LPS Li'l Paw Prints - Files [Part 4]
LPS Line Review - Files [Part 4]
LPS Market Research - Files [Part 4]
LPS Media Conseration - Files [Part 4]
LPS Misc Photos [Part 4]
LPS Missy & Puppies - Files [Part 4]
LPS Mommy & Babies - Files [Part 4]
LPS Nursery Playset - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pal Around Pups Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pampered Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pet Presents - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pet Presents Redeco - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pet Presents Redeco - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pet Shop Misc - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pet Shop Playset Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Petting Zoo - Files [Part 4]
LPS Playset Pet Shop Redeco - Files [Part 4]
LPS Playtime Pets Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pony Pairs - Files [Part 4]
LPS Pony Stable - Files  [more info/photos] [Part 4]
LPS Product Strategies - Files [Part 4]
LPS Ratios - Files [Part 4]
LPS Ready to Go Pet Refreshed - Files [Part 4]
LPS Ready to Go Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Royal Princess Ponies - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sales Script - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sales Summary - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sea World - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sea World Stars - Files [Part 4]
LPS Shamu Family - Files [Part 4]
LPS SO Real Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sparkling Fun Time Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Splash Happy Beethoven - Files [Part 4]
LPS Splashtime Pets Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Tender Loving Care AST - Files [Part 4]
LPS Tiny - Twins Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS TLP's [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Basic Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Cary Case - Files [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Keep Me Safe Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Mommy & Baby - Files [Part 4]
LPS Zoo Nursery Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Budgets 1993 [Part 4]
LPS Budgets 1994 [Part 4]
LPS Misc [Part 4]
LPS Ratio Reports [Part 4]
LPS Sales Rate [Part 4]
LPS SeaWorld Licensing [Part 4]
LPS Baby Ponies Proto [Part 4]
LPS DHP Bunny Proto [Part 4]
LPS Picnic Cats Proto  [more info/photos] [Part 4]
LPS Picnic Pups Proto [more info/photos] [Part 4]
LPS Picnic Squirrels Proto [more info/photos] [Part 4]
LPS Ponies Proto [Part 4]
LPS Show & Scripts [Part 4]
LPS My Magic Genie Pre 1996 Files [Part 4]
LPS Pre 1996 Files [Part 4]
LPS Animation - Files [Part 4]
LPS Country Cottage - Files [Part 4]
LPS Jewelry - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sea World - Files [Part 4]
Newborn Families - Files (?) [Part 4]
Shimmery Sea pets - Files (?) [Part 4]
Target Bunny Special - Files [Part 4]
Wilderness Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Dress Up Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Dressd 'n Ready - Files [Part 4]
LPS Growing Families - Files [Part 4]
LPS Jewelry Beauty - Files [Part 4]
LPS Picnic Raccoons - Files [Part 4]
LPS Sea World Stars - Files [Part 4]
LPS Technical Info - Eng Files [Part 4]
LPS Walking Wag Puppy - Files [Part 4]
LPS Packaging Samples [Part 4]
LPS Cozy Home Pets Packaging Samples [Part 4]
LPS Mommies & Babies Packaging Samples [Part 4]
LPS Pet Presents Packaging Samples [Part 4]
LPS Ready to Go Pets Packaging Samples [Part 4]
Pet Shop Animation Binders & Art [Part 4]
LPS House Model [Part 4]
LPS Kangaroos, Ostrich, Vrethanes [Part 4]
Shimmer Sea Case Inside (?) [Part 4]
LPS K102/Cost Sheets, Prod Info, Binders [Part 4]
LPS Birdieluck - Files [Part 4]
LPS Bunny Necklace - Files [Part 4]
LPS Files [Part 4]
LPS Jewelry Asst - Files [Part 4]
LPS Kitty Choker - Files [Part 4]
LPS McDonald's Prom - Files [Part 4]
LPS Playtime Garden Pets - Files [Part 4]
LPS Product & Design Info Binders [Part 4]
LPS Product Info Binders [Part 4]
LPS Product Info Binders [Part 4]
LPS Puppy Basket - Files [Part 4]
LPS Puppy Choker - Files [Part 4]
LPS Puppy Choker - Files [Part 4]
LPS Kittie Basketlocket - Files [Part 4]
LPS DH Pony's Prototype [Part 4]
LPS Plush Softgoods, Mechanical Models [Part 4]
LPS Sea World Prod. Concepts [Part 4]
LPS Pet Photos Originals 1 of 2 [Part 5]
LPS Pet Photos Originals 1 of 2 [Part 5]
LPS Care Center Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Mom & Babies Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Pal Around Pup Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Paw Prints Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Pet Presents Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Playful Ponies Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Ready to Go Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Zoo Nursery Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Zoo Playful Ponies Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Zoo Playset Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Carry Case Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Cozy Home Pets Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Jungle Bunch Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Zoo Nursery Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Animation [Part 5]
LPS Drawings, Color Copies [Part 5]
LPS Image Boards [Part 5]
LPS Beethoven Cub Line Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Chatter Pets Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Kennel Playcase Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Ready to Go Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Cozy Home Pets Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Pet Presents Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Play w Me Pets Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Wilderness Pets Asst Packaging Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Artwork [Part 5]
LPS Chromolins [Part 5]
LPS Comp [Part 5]
LPS Toon Assortment Image Boards [Part 5]
LPS Cartoon Artwork - Packaging [Part 5]
LPS Original Artwork - Packaging [Part 5]
LPS Baby Ponies Original Label Art Eva Lutz [Part 6]
LPS Boys Pet Shop Sketches '93, '94, '95, '96 [Part 6]
LPS Fishing Fun Eva Lutz [Part 6]
LPS Rendering Boards [Part 6]
LPS Bake Set - Easy Bake [Part 6]
LPS Dazzling Hair Pets Packaging [Part 6]
LPS Mini Surprise Families Packaging [Part 6]
LPS Mini Surprise Packaging [Part 6]
LPS Shimmering Sea Pets Packaging [Part 6]
LPS Teddies Packaging [Part 6]
Pet Shop Promo - 2D's [Part 6]

The Kenner Museum
(1992 - 1996)

The Kenner Museum was located in the same warehouse as the Morgue and contained final production versions of their toys.  The toys in the Museum were intended to be used by Kenner employees for comparison purposes when working on current products.  When the Cincinnati, OH Kenner location was shut down, the Museum's collection was shipped to Rhode Island.

A Kenner Museum inventory, created in preparation for the Rhode Island move, is available online in 5 parts courtesy of KennerCollector.com.  The LPS items in the Museum inventory are in Parts 2 & 3 and are outlined in the chart below:

Ticklish Toucan - Dark Blue Variation
(1992)

The promotional images for 1992's Ready to Go Pets included a photo of a dark blue Ticklish Toucan with dark blue ring-perch.  No collectors in the online LPS community have ever encountered a dark blue variation of this bird. 

This color variant is most likely a hand-painted hard copy. 

Mail Order Pets - Gray Dog and Orange Turtle
(1992)

Advertisements for 1992's Mail Order pets used this image of five different pets, including two dogs, one monkey, one turtle, and one bunny.  Collectors have never seen either the gray dog or the orange turtle.  The tan monkey is also quite rare; Kenner mostly mailed out extra monkeys from 1992's Magic Monkeys set.

The gray dog and orange turtle were most likely hand-painted hard copies that were never used for production.

A discussion thread about the elusive Mail Order puppy and turtle is available at the Kenner LPS Forum.

Plush Prototype: Mother & Baby Kitties
(1992?)

These hand-sewn, plush prototypes unfortunately never went into production, but they fortunately found a home with LPS collector Leah.  The mother cat resembles the orange cat from 1992's Cutesy Kittens set, and a velcro strip on her tongue attaches to her white kitten.

More photos of these adorable kitties are available at the Kenner LPS Forum.

Image Credits:
Photo & information - Leah

Sparkling Fashion Ponies
(1995)

Promotional image from the 1995 Kenner Girls Toy Fair catalog.

Text from a 1995 Kenner Press Kit.

The Sparkling Fashion Ponies appeared in the 1995 Kenner Girls Toy Fair catalog and a 1995 Kenner Press Kit.  Four ponies were featured in the Toy Fair catalog, and only three were described in the Press Kit.  So far, none of these ponies have been found by collectors - they appear to have existed only as prototypes (most likely, hard copies).  The four ponies include:

Image Credits:
Toy Fair catalog scan - Prancetron
Press kit scan - jeapos88

Mother & Baby Country Fun Pets
(1995 - 1996)

1996 Girls Toy Fair Catalog (prototype turtle set listed)	1995 Newborn Families backcard information (prototype turtles mentioned)
1996 Girls Toy Fair Catalog (identical to 1996 backcard promo image)	1996 Girls Toy Fair Catalog (three baby turtles pictured, with one on mommy's shell)
1996 backcard promo

Several "Mother & Baby" pets appeared only on the backcard advertisement photo for the Country Home Carrycase and in the 1996 Kenner Girls Toy Fair catalog - they have never been found in circulation.  In these photos, the unreleased prototypes are pictured along with some of the pets from the Newborn Families (1995) assortment and the Country Garden Nursery Playset (1995).

Additionally, the descriptions featured on the backcards of the Newborn Families (1995) sets mention "mommy and daddy puppies, kitties, and turtles", and the turtle set is also explicitly named & described in the '96 Girls Toy Fair catalog, so it appears that Kenner had indeed intended to release a family of turtles in 1995/6.

The unreleased Mother & Baby pets in this promotional image are probably hand-painted hard copies that were never used for production.

Based on these promotional images, there were at least four unreleased Newborn Families sets:

Image Credits:
'96 Toy Fair scans - Joey

Sea World Mini Assortment
(1996)

 
1996 Girls Toy Fair Catalog

1996 Toy Fair Workbook

The three Sea World Mini sets were advertised in the 1996 Girls Toy Fair catalog and were mentioned in the accompanying 1996 Product Information Workbook, but they never went into production.  They were scheduled to be released in August of 1996.

Image Credits:
'96 Toy Fair scans - Joey
'96 Workbook scans - loves toys

Home Sweet Homes
(1997)

Promotional image from the 1997 Kenner Pre-Toy Fair catalog.

These sets from the Home Sweet Homes assortment, part of the Mini Surprise Families collection, were never released in stores.  The original sets upon which they were based were part of Vivid Imaginations' Teeny Weeny Families collection.

Image Credits:
Toy Fair scan - Prancetron

Hiding Places
(1997)

Promotional image from the 1997 Kenner Pre-Toy Fair catalog.

These sets from the Hiding Places assortment, part of the Mini Surprise Families collection, were never released in stores.  The original sets upon which they were based were part of Vivid Imaginations' Teeny Weeny Families collection.

Image Credits:
Toy Fair catalog scan - Prancetron

So Many Teddies Collection
(1997)

Promotional image from the 1997 Kenner Pre-Toy Fair catalog.

The So Many Teddies Collection was advertised in Kenner's 1997 Pre-Toy Fair catalog but was never advertised elsewhere or produced.  This unreleased collection was derived from the Teddy in My Pocket toy line.

Image Credits:
Toy Fair catalog scan - Prancetron

LIMITED RELEASE

New York Toy Fair Dog
(1992)

Front (left) and back (right).

At the 1992 New York Toy Fair, Kenner provided this dog - which is identical to the Mail Order Dog - as a gift.  It was developed by Those Characters from Cleveland, which is a division of American Greetings.

Image Credits:
Photos - Ebay seller toysensei5

Pony 'n Pet Stable Playset
(1995)

The Pony 'n Pet Stable Playset appears to have never gone into full production.  It was advertised in the 1995 Kenner Toy Fair catalog and the 1995 Sears Wish Book, but no one in the online community of Littlest Pet Shop collectors ever saw this playset in retail stores.  One mint-in-box playset was put up for bidding on eBay in 2006; this set did not, however, include the "Free Sparkling Pony" that was advertised on the box.  Collectors have speculated that this may be a prototype or perhaps one of the few sets that was sold in retail shops.

Promotional image from the 1995 Kenner Girls Toy Fair catalog.

Promotional description from the 1995 Kenner Girls Toy Fair catalog.

More Pony 'n Pet Stable photos, information, and videos are available here at LPSC!

Image Credits:
Toy Fair catalog scan - Prancetron

ORIGINAL ARTWORK

Polar Pets Puzzle Artwork
(1993)

Original painting - outer layer with crop
(Image property of KennerCollector.com)

Production puzzle
(Image property of  unicorn4484)

Additional Photos (Click thumbnails to enlarge)
Outer layer with crop	Label size & box size	Inner layer	No layers	Size comparison (using First-Shot Squeaks)
Close-up 1	Close-up 2	Close-up 3

Dan from KennerCollector.com has generously provided LPSC with some stunning photos of an original painting that was used for Milton Bradley's Polar Pets puzzle.  The painting's artist did contract work for Parker Brothers.

Dan tells us that the "painting is a combination of airbrushing and hand-painted brush work on paper. The overall dimensions of the piece are 20.5" W x 18.5" H. The painted area is 16.5" W x 14" H. The cropped area on the outer clear layer is 15" W x 12.5 H, which matches the writing on the layer for the label."

Many thanks to Dan for sharing these images with us!

Image Credits:
Photos of original painting - KennerCollector.com
Production puzzle photo - unicorn4484

Prize Winning Pups - Award Stand
(1993)

Prototype is on the right.

This pre-production prototype of the award stand from the Prize Winning Pups set has been hand-painted.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

HARD COPIES
(a.k.a. 'gray models' or 'resins')

Hard copies are hand-sculpted and hand-painted casts that are generally made of resin and are therefore much heavier than the final versions of toys.  They are used to create injection molds for production.

Also, hand-painted hard copies are often used in the staging of promotional photos, since their colors and contrast tend to be more vibrant.

Beethoven's 2nd Hard Copy Prototypes
(1993)

Solid-bodied prototype of the piano is on the right.

The prototypes of Dolly Pup and Tchaikovsky Pup both have their names written in pencil on their bottoms.  Also, the stickers used on the prototypes have a matte texture without any protective

More photos of these prototypes are available at the Kenner LPS Forum.

Image Credits:
Photos & information - Leah

Prize Winning Pups - Beagle
(1993)

Prototype is on the right; final product is on the left.

Prototype is on the right; final product is on the left.

Prototype is on the right; final product is on the left.

This is a hard copy of a beagle and a magenta bone-brush from the Prize Winning Pups set.

The prototype beagle is solid and weights twice as much as the final product.  His tail is attached with a metal post and does not move.

Image Credits:
Comparison photos - jeapos88
Photo of dog with bone - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Prize Winning Pups - Scottish Terrier
(1993)

Prototype of sweater and collar-bow are pictured here.

Prototype is on the right; final version is on the left.

Prototype is on the right; final version is on the left.

Prototype is on the right; final version is on the left.

The head of this hand-painted Scottish Terrier prototype is attached to his body with a metal rod.

Image Credits:
Photo of single dog with sweater & ribbon - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc
Other photos - jeapos88

Prize Winning Pups - Husky
(1993)

This pre-production prototype of a Husky and a magenta bone-brush from the Prize Winning Pups set.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Splash Happy Puppies - Terrier, Tub, & Accessories
(1993)

This is a hard copy of a partial set of the Splash Happy Puppies.  The puppy is hand-painted.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Splash Happy Puppies - Lab
(1993)

Prototype is on the left; final version is on the right.

Prototype is on the left; final version is on the right.

This is a hand-painted pre-production prototype of the lab from the Splash Happy Puppies set.

Image Credits:
Photo of single dog - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc
Other photos - jeapos88

Splash Happy Puppies - Pug
(1993)

Prototype is on the left; final version is on the right.

Prototype is on the left; final version is on the right.

Prototype is on the left; final version is on the right.

Prototype is on the left; final version is on the right.

This is hand-painted prototype is made from rubber rather than resin, but it is not squishy (unlike the final version of this pug).

Image Credits:
Photos - unicorn4484

Zoo Lion Family - Lion Cub
(1994)

Three lion cub prototypes.

Prototype is on the right; final product is on the left.

Prototype is on the top; final product is on the bottom.

These lion cub prototypes are hand-painted.  The magnets in them were incorrectly placed on the undersides of their bellies.  Each has a weight inside and weights more than the final product.

Image Credits:
Comparison photos - jeapos88
Photo of three prototypes - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

FIRST SHOT PROTOTYPES
(a.k.a. 'engineering pilots' or 'test shots')

First shot prototypes are produced to test steel injection molds; they are used to exhibit any sculpting problems, to test the articulation of toys, to test safety, etc.

The colors used for first shots are those that happen to be in the plastic dispensers at the time, so these prototypes tend to sport a random array of colors.

Ticklish Toucan
(1992)

Partially-assembled prototype.

Assembled prototype.

This unassembled Ticklish Toucan prototype appears to be a first shot prototype, though its colors resemble those of the dark blue Ticklish Toucan prototype that never went into production.

The final version of the toucan has a longer connector on both sides.  Also, the prototype's wings are more bendable than those of the final version.

Image Credits:
Photos - chambychick

Banana-To-Go Squeaks First Shot Prototype & Sample Card
(1995)

Image property of KennerCollector.com

A series of photos and information on this first shot prototype of Banana-To-Go Squeaks from the LPS Cartoon Series, as well as the set's sample card, is available at KennerCollector.com. 

PRE-PRODUCTION & PRODUCTION SAMPLES
(a.k.a. 'final engineering pilots')

Pre-production samples and production samples are often indistinguishable from the final incarnation of a toy.  The correct plastic colors are used for them, and their paint has been factory-applied (sometimes, the plastic and/or paint colors are still changed before final production begins).  Production samples are packaged in sample packaging, which is very similar, if not identical, to the toy's final packaging.

The purpose of these samples is to exhibit the final appearance of a toy and to receive approval from managers.

Kenner's pre-production and production samples were accompanied by green "Kenner Standard" cards, which provided a rubric for toy quality, and were then sent to various departmental heads for inspection and approval.  On the Kenner Standard card, a departmental manager would indicate any alterations that needed to be made to the toy and/or packaging.  If a toy in the production stage was approved, it went into mass production.

Care Center
(1993)

These are pre-production prototypes of the pets and small accessories from the Care Center.  The Kenner Standard card accompanying these prototypes is also pictured.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Baby Zebra - Baby Zebra
(1993)

This is a pre-production prototype of the zebra from the Zoo Baby Zebra set; his tail has been inserted and the gear in his mane is a different color, though he hasn't been painted yet.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Baby Tiger - Partial Set
(1993)

This is a pre-production prototype of the Zoo Baby Tiger set.  The cockatoo and fruit basket are un-painted, and no stickers have been applied.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Baby Tiger - Baby Tiger
(1993)

This is an un-painted pre-production prototype of the tiger from the Zoo Baby Tiger set.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Baby Tiger - Cockatoo
(1993)

This is an un-painted pre-production prototype of the cockatoo from the Zoo Baby Tiger set.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Baby Chimp - Partial Set
(1993)

This is a pre-production prototype of the Zoo Baby Chimp set.  The chimp's face is unpainted and no stickers have been applied to the set.  Also, the chimp is hugging a prototype pink blanket, which was featured on the set's packaging; in final production, the set included a white blanket instead.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Jungle Bunch - Elephant
(1993)

Prototype is on the left.

This is an un-painted pre-production prototype of the elephant from the Zoo Jungle Bunch set.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Polar Pets - Polar Bear
(1993)

This is a pre-production prototype of the polar bear.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Lion Family - Set & Instructions
(1994)

Instruction sheet.

This is a pre-production prototype set of the Zoo Lion Family; the figures and set are un-painted.  A prototype of the set's instructions is also pictured.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Zoo Lion Family - Adult Lions
(1994)

These are pre-production prototypes of the two adult lions from the Zoo Lion Family.  They are un-painted, and the mane has not been applied to the male lion.

Image Credits:
Photo - Ebay seller managemyauctionllc

Swimming Ducklings
(1994)

The Swimming Ducklings set pictured above had several errors: "eye location on ducklings, flow lines on mother's head, collar mask - poor fit - mother." 

Image Credits:
Photos - sheeba6

Sparkling Pets
(1994)

(Click thumbnails to enlarge)
Fluffy Persian	Royal Bombay Kitty	Silky Yorkie

These production samples of packaging are virtually identical to the final products.

Image Credits:
Fluffy Persian, Royal Bombay Kitty, and Silky Yorkie photos - Mike

^ top of page