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An Interesting Comparison of a GM Model to Its NAO Counterpart

-Peggy Whiteneck

A collector recently contacted me to ask about a Golden Memories figurine she'd purchased, # 33043,"Pretty Bouquet." The item is a reissue of NAO # 495. (Recall that NAO production was suspended while GM was being brought out and that when GM was closed, the first-year models were again incorporated into the NAO collection.) The pictures of this item as sent to me by the interested collector illustrate several interesting points.

Golden Memories # 33043, "Pretty Bouquet," a model with an earlier NAO version, # 495, "My Bouquet." I've presented two views of this item because the angles of the photo-
graphy make the two necessary to show that it is the same model as the NAO model pictured below. Though not visible in these pictures, the clump of foliage at the girl's side as shown in the NAO photo is also present here. (Photos courtesy of a collector who prefers to remain anonymous.)

To begin with, NAO # 495, "My Bouquet," is a much earlier serial number than most of the NAO items that have GM versions. NAO # 495 was first issued in 1985 - several years before Golden Memories came out. What this shows is that some, at least, of the first year GM models were already in production in the NAO brand before GM was brought out, lending credence to my theory that the separate GM line was initially intended as a replacement for the NAO brand.

Also note that the NAO version of this item (pictured at right), which was produced first and is still in production today, has Lladró's famous flowerwork in the girls's arms (below right). The addition of flowerwork on any Lladró product drives the price up, and this item is no exception; currently retailing at $175 USD, it is expensive for a NAO. Notice, though, that the Golden Memories version (below left) has molded flowers in a rather rudimentary modeling; that would have served to keep the production cost down on the GM version.