How to Identify Breyer Horses

Breyer horses are one of the most popular horse themed collectibles on the market. Over the years some companies have tried to copy Breyer horse molds. This article will help you identify a genuine Breyer horse.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Original packaging

   The most obvious way to spot a Breyer horse is the distinctive packaging the company uses. Breyer horses are almost always on a bright yellow backing and the Breyer company logo is white lettering surrounded by a blue oval and rimmed in yellow or gold.

2. 
   Four sizes

   Breyer horses are available in four sizes. The largest is called Traditional, they range in size, but are generally around 9 inches tall – they are 1:9 scale. Next smallest is the Classic size. They are about 7 inches tall – 1:12 scale. Then we have the Paddock Pals (they also used to be called Little Bits). Paddock Pals average about 5 inches tall and are done in 1:24 scale. Finally there are Stablemates which are 3 inches tall and sculpted in 1:32 scale.

3. You may not always have the original box with the horse. Breyer horses can often be found at flea markets and antique stores and most of the time they won’t have their box with them. You might also run across them at a garage sale. Without the original packaging to go by, the best way to identify a Breyer horse is to look for its mold mark or company stamp.

4. 
   Mold markings

   Breyer horses are commonly stamped on the inside of a back leg or on the underside of the belly. The picture here shows a few examples of mold stamps. The one with a date is from the belly of a Stablemate. The others are from the inside of a back leg on a larger model. There will be a copyright mark and the words “Breyer Molding Company” or “Breyer Reeves” and sometimes a date. The date is usually only used on the smallest scale, the Stablemates.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that the date stamp on a Breyer Stablemate does not necessarily indicate the age of that model. The older Stablemate molds are date stamped “1975” but they were produced on into 1998. Some unscrupulous sellers will try to get more money for a model “from 1975” when in fact that color variation may have come out in the 90s!
• Antique stores have a reputation of selling beat up older Breyer horses for inflated prices. Be sure to carefully examine any used Breyer before you purchase it. If there are spots where the paint is rubbed off or scratched the horse is most likely not much, despite the age. It may well be an “antique” in age, but to be a valued collection piece they need to be in very good shape.

[nord]

on 10/23/2009 I purchased a blac and white western style horse with removable saddle and chain through mouth I was told was a vintage breyer but I cannot find any markings? It looks like the ones I have seen on ebay but I cannot be sure any help would be appreciated. Thanks so much.

[derbyka]

on 1/13/2009 Good advice about the date stamps. Most people don't realize that you can actually "show" Breyer horses if you don't have access to the real thing. Older and more original models tend to do better.

[weownqhs2]

on 1/13/2009 I have a glossy breyer horse named big chex to cash #1357. I have also seen them in the matt finish. Why two different finishes. A mistake or on purpose?
Jackie Storm
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