Look-Alikes: G1 Saddlebred

The G1 Saddlebred doesn't have many look-alikes, and the only pairs with similar colours are quite easy to tell apart in practice. The basic identifying characteristics are the same for both look-alike colours - old plastic vs. new plastic, unpainted ribbons vs. painted ribbons, regular run vs. special run.

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The model on the right is the new plastic 1996 JCPenney special run with painted ribbons. It has 'bubble' dapples, black points, and a distinct off-hind sock. The left-hand model is the regular run old plastic #5001 with unpainted ribbons. Points can range from almost self-coloured to charcoal. The dapples are always 'splatter' dapples and leg markings can vary.

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The model on the left side is the Regular Run #5002; colour ranges from buckskin and chestnut shades to dark bay - this is the darkest example of the run I own. This run is always old plastic and has unpainted ribbons. Mane and tail are usually substantially darker than the body, but the black on the legs can be very faint or in some cases missing altogether. Leg markings, which vary greatly in number, are usually socks, but as seen above, stockings can be found.

To the right is the 1997 JCPenney special run in new plastic with painted ribbons. Some models may be of the chalky plastic used during this time. The colour is very dark with red, almost purple tones. This colour could be called bay or dark, liver chestnut as the points often appear to be closer to the body colour than black. There should be a sock and a tan hoof on the off-hind leg.

Models and picture owned by Deb Walsmith and used here by permission.

While not exactly look-alikes, people often mix up the proper terms for the above decorator colours. Traditionally all four colours will have a white mane and tail, four stockings, cream or pink coloured hooves, and a bald face with pink nose.

From left to right the colours are: Wedgwood, Gold Charm, Copenhagen, and Florentine. All except the Wedgwood colour are glossy. The names and colour schemes may have been inspired by china dinnerware patterns.

In more recent years other base colours have been created in this style. Solid decorator colours have been called [colour] + Charm (ex. Silver Charm), but there doesn't seem to be a strict rule for the dappled colours. The base colour name can be seen paired with Florentine, Copenhagen, or Filigree, sometimes all three are used for the same run [Mauve Florentine, Purple Copenhagen, Purple or Mauve Filigree (BreyerFest SR G3 TWH)], though dappled silver models are usually referred to as 'Silver Filigree'.

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Many thanks to Deb Walsmith for providing a picture of her JAH SR conga!