How to Estimate the Value of a Breyer Horse Model

Breyer horses or Breyer model horses are collectible horse statues ranging from the 1" tall "Mini Whinnies" pictured here to 9" tall Traditional scale replicas of horses. Once the playthings of children, many adult horse lovers never outgrew their passion for collecting these highly realistic models. The Breyer Modeling Company made its first horse statues in the 1950's which were sold through Woolworth's department stores, and the company was acquired by Reeves International in the 1990's. Today, Breyer model horses are loved worldwide for their realism and lifelike details. Many rare colors and molds are worth hundreds of dollars, with the most expensive one selling at a live auction in 2008 for $3,000. But it's not always easy to determine the value of a Breyer horse. Here's how you can estimate the value of most Breyer horses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Breyer horses
• Magnifying glass
• Collector guide
• Computer to access collecting sites

1. First be sure you have a Breyer horse model. Breyer models were made in many sizes from 1" tall Mini Whinnies to 9" tall Traditional scale. They are usually plastic although some china and resin models exist. Many Breyers have a round stamp on the inside back leg, the name Breyer or Reeves inside the circle, and a date or number code. Use the magnifying glass to find the code.

2. Observe the model and note the following characterstics: size (in inches), breed if known, gender, and color. These will help you narrow down the mold. Breyer used the same molds over and over again and released horses under different numbers and names.

3. Note the condition of the model before searching for value. Broken ears, tail and legs significantly decrease the value as do big scratched and rubs in the paint. Any condition defects make the model worth only a few dollars expect in rare cases.

4. Now that you have the basics of your model, visit one of the collector sites and compare your model to the photos. They are usually arranged according to model scale. Breyer Traditional size horses are 7-9" tall, Classic is about 6-7" tall, Little Bits or Paddock Pals are 4" tall, Stablemates are between 2- 3" tall, and Mini Whinnies are 1" tall. Use the size of your horse to determine the scale category.

5. Once you have correctly identified the make, mold and release information based on comparing your horse to the pictures on the collector sites or collecting books, it's time to determine the value. eBay is a great resource. You can put the information into a search box on the home page and see similar horses at auction. MHSP or Model Horse Sales Pages is a collecting site that lists horses for sale. You can search there too to find values.

6. Once you think you have a value for your horse, you may want to contact a collector or two to get their opinion. Many hobby sites provide forums for collectors to interact. Post a note there and ask for feedback. If posting photos, take photos from the right and left side of the horse with nothing obstructing the view. This should help you determine value.

Tips & Warnings

• Just because a horse model is old doesn't mean it is rare. In fact it can be the opposite. One of the oldest models is the #4 Family Arabian Stallion in Palomino - but it is also one of the most common. You have to identify the model and see how many were made in that particular color to judge rarity.
• Horses can be painted to look like rare models. Check carefully to make sure the model isn't painted.

Resources

• Breyer Animals identification book by Nancy Atchkinson Young
• Identify Your Breyer - online identification source with photos
• Model Horse Sales page