The second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’ series, all designed by Michael Stamey. The first crystal figurine of the series is the Swarovski Dolphins, which are the feature figure of this article.
The Swarovski Dolphins were available for purchase only in 1990 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club. These ‘Mother and Child” Dolphins measures about 4 3/4″ long. It is a figurine with 2 clear dolphins, a mother dolphin and a baby dolphin, swimming atop a clear wave.
The SCS Dolphins contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity. It is fairly easy to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “90” can be seen. ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schreck (Swarovski SCS Lovebirds ‘Togetherness in 1987)
The ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X901, and years later the system number 153 850 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.
It is not unusual for the non-collector owner (i.e. someone has inherited a collection but is not knowledgeable about Swarovski) to refer to the figurine as a ‘Swarovski Porpoise’ pair. In doing some research, I found that there are distinct differences between dolphins and porpoises. The crystal brand has not released any Swarovski porpoise figurines.
Since the 1990 SCS Dolphins, the crystal giant has produced other clear crystal dolphin figurines:
- Swarovski Dolphin – 7644 000 001 / 190 365, 1995 – 2011
- Swarovski Baby Dolphin – 7644 000 0167 / 678 507, 2005 – present
- Swarovski Maxi Dolphin – 7644 000 004 / 221 628, 1998 – 2004
- Swarovski Dolphins – 9500 000 107 / 955 350, 2008 – 2010
The SCS Swarovski Dolphins retailed for $225 USD in 1990. The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity). While the resale price of the Swarovski Dolphins surpassed to over $900 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $450 – $475, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.
Angie / Crystal Exchange America
Swarovski crystal figurines are available at Crystal Exchange America, a professional brokerage service of 25 years, dedicated to helping Swarovski collectors buy and sell retired Swarovski crystal figurines, ornaments, and collectibles.
Crystal Exchange America is reputable, knowledgeable, and has a world-wide customer base with thousands of satisfied customers. Swarovski crystal fanatics can go to www.CrystalExchange.com to obtain more information about safely listing, buying, and selling retired Swarovski, limited edition Swarovski, Swarovski Silver Crystal, and Swarovski crystal figurines.