Showing posts with label Singles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singles. Show all posts
Friday, May 12, 2017
Singles: Special Run Singles Assortments
When new singles start appearing on store shelves, a short, sharp buying frenzy generally occurs which intensifies, or dies away when them models are confirmed to be special runs or just unannounced regular runs.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Gift Sets and Singles: BreyerFest Store Models
The BreyerFest Store offerings increased in quantity and variety over the years.
While it wasn't the first time Breyer released their Stablemate molds in porcelain, but it was the first time a new Stablemate mold appeared in porcelain before being released in plastic.
#711075 Isabel and Chloe (2005) featured a pair of pearly grey unicorns on a grassy, flower-strewn base. This was the first time collectors would see the G3 Walking Arabian and the G3 Lying Foal. 725 of these sets were released.
After a two year hiatus, the Stablemate keychains were back...at least a Stablemate keychain. #711985 Stablemates Keychain (2005) is a G2 Prancing Morgan in what is called "charcoal" in Breyer-lore; the closest horse colour it resembles is called "black silver". This glossy model had four socks, a bald face, and gold keychain hardware with a small fob with the Breyer Logo. Around 2,000 of these models were made.
There was a distinct lack of keychains at the 2006 BreyerFest, but they returned in 2007. 2,500 of the #711307 Cream Soda (2007) keychains were made. The model is a G3 Belgian as an American Cream Draft Horse in gold champagne with four socks, blaze, red and blue tail ribbons, slightly metallic finish, and silver keychain hardware.
#711077 All American Tribute (2007) consisted of representatives of three American Breeds. 1,250 of these sets were produced.
The G3 Standing Stock Horse is a Colorado Rangerbred in flaxen liver chestnut blanket appaloosa with star, eye-whites, and hind pasterns with striped hooves. The G2 Paso Fino is a bay dun Florida Cracker and the G3 Tennessee Walking Horse is a....Tennessee Walking Horse in black tobiano with four white legs and purple ribbons.
Our final model is something a bit different. Some do not consider the Chang'An mold an offical part of the Stablemate line, but he did start life as a Stablemate, the G2 Andalusian to be exact. Some re-sculpting turned the spirited Andalusian into an iconic Chang Dynasty Horse. Only 800 of #711078 Chang'An - Tang Dynasty Horse (2008) were released, though actual numbers in the wild are likely to be significantly lower as breakages were very high due to the thin legs and the lack of support from a base.
While it wasn't the first time Breyer released their Stablemate molds in porcelain, but it was the first time a new Stablemate mold appeared in porcelain before being released in plastic.
#711075 Isabel and Chloe (2005) featured a pair of pearly grey unicorns on a grassy, flower-strewn base. This was the first time collectors would see the G3 Walking Arabian and the G3 Lying Foal. 725 of these sets were released.
After a two year hiatus, the Stablemate keychains were back...at least a Stablemate keychain. #711985 Stablemates Keychain (2005) is a G2 Prancing Morgan in what is called "charcoal" in Breyer-lore; the closest horse colour it resembles is called "black silver". This glossy model had four socks, a bald face, and gold keychain hardware with a small fob with the Breyer Logo. Around 2,000 of these models were made.
There was a distinct lack of keychains at the 2006 BreyerFest, but they returned in 2007. 2,500 of the #711307 Cream Soda (2007) keychains were made. The model is a G3 Belgian as an American Cream Draft Horse in gold champagne with four socks, blaze, red and blue tail ribbons, slightly metallic finish, and silver keychain hardware.
#711077 All American Tribute (2007) consisted of representatives of three American Breeds. 1,250 of these sets were produced.
The G3 Standing Stock Horse is a Colorado Rangerbred in flaxen liver chestnut blanket appaloosa with star, eye-whites, and hind pasterns with striped hooves. The G2 Paso Fino is a bay dun Florida Cracker and the G3 Tennessee Walking Horse is a....Tennessee Walking Horse in black tobiano with four white legs and purple ribbons.
Our final model is something a bit different. Some do not consider the Chang'An mold an offical part of the Stablemate line, but he did start life as a Stablemate, the G2 Andalusian to be exact. Some re-sculpting turned the spirited Andalusian into an iconic Chang Dynasty Horse. Only 800 of #711078 Chang'An - Tang Dynasty Horse (2008) were released, though actual numbers in the wild are likely to be significantly lower as breakages were very high due to the thin legs and the lack of support from a base.
Many thanks to Sharon Walbridge and Deb Walsmith for providing pictures for this post!
Friday, September 02, 2016
Singles: BreyerFest Single Day Ticket Models
In the beginning, the only ticket available for BreyerFest was the full three-day ticket which came with the Traditional scale celebration model. In 2004, Breyer began offering the Single-Day ticket. These could be purchased for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and came with a special Stablemate.
The models were given out in white gift boxes, nestled in a bed of blue satin. The packaging felt quite luxurious and kept the model protected during a busy day at the horse park.
The models were given out in white gift boxes, nestled in a bed of blue satin. The packaging felt quite luxurious and kept the model protected during a busy day at the horse park.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Singles: Breakables - Porcelain Stablemates
Breyer started their experiments with non-plastic models in the early 1990s with several "cold-cast porcelain" models. They used existing molds and a mixture of resin and porcelain dust to create these heavy and somewhat brittle models. In 1992 the first true porcelain model was released.
It wasn't until 2002 that the first Stablemate scale porcelain models became available. Most of these were special sculptures for the Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron movie line, but a few G2 models were used as well.
It wasn't until 2002 that the first Stablemate scale porcelain models became available. Most of these were special sculptures for the Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron movie line, but a few G2 models were used as well.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Singles: BreyerFest Goodies - Keychains!
The first four BreyerFest events (1990-1993) only featured the celebration model, a raffle model, and some test runs which were auctioned for charity; the volunteers at the 1993 BreyerFest were given special models for the first time. In 1994 collectors were treated to something new - BreyerFest special runs!37
At a time when the Stablemate line was being produced in China in new plastic, these special models were made of old plastic in New Jersey36. Gold-coloured key-chains with little metal Breyer logo fobs were added to G1 Standing and Lying Thoroughbred Foals, creating the first Breyer key-chains.
At a time when the Stablemate line was being produced in China in new plastic, these special models were made of old plastic in New Jersey36. Gold-coloured key-chains with little metal Breyer logo fobs were added to G1 Standing and Lying Thoroughbred Foals, creating the first Breyer key-chains.
Models and pictures owned by Deb Walsmith and used here by permission.
Some collectors prefer to remove the key-chain hardware for aesthetic reasons or for easier display
Some collectors prefer to remove the key-chain hardware for aesthetic reasons or for easier display
Friday, September 12, 2014
Singles: The Stablemate Grails - Early Special Runs
Though collectors have been drooling over hard to find models such as the Riegsecker G1 Draft Horses for longer, the three special runs in today's post are older and even harder to find - we just didn't know about them until relatively recently.
Before the dawn of the internets, collectors only found out about the smaller, more obscure special runs through word of mouth or by being fortunate enough to read the right magazines and newsletters. Breyer did, and still does, release small numbers of special runs for an audience other than the greater collecting community, so if you aren't in the know, it can be hard to keep up.
Some examples of the early runs began coming to light as the Breyer events got bigger and more popular, and information became more widely disseminated as Breyer collectors got online and started comparing notes. Now it's possible to get the latest model news as it breaks via Facebook and the assorted forums which have sprung up.
A metal G1 Saddlebred? Is this a knock off, a custom, or could it be original finish?! It turns out that in 1975 Breyer commissioned an outside company to create 1,000 of electroplated G1 Saddlebreds to celebrate their silver anniversary 34 and probably to announce the introduction of the stablemate line. These were given away as promotional items in silver boxes with purple inserts.34
The first BreyerFest auction in 1990 featured one of these silver models; the auction card confirmed the production numbers and the 1990 Nov./Dec. Just About Horses described the distribution method.34 It is probable the existence of these models wasn't widely known until the 1990 auction and JAH mention.
Almost as difficult to find, especially complete with his base, is this little conversation starter - Emperor Gold Bar and his 'Genuine horse-hockey'. Yes, you've got that right, he originally came with real horse poo!
Production quantity is unknown and dates for this release are uncertain - they're generally listed as 1975-85. A collector bought one example from a seller who stated they had purchased the model some time in 1975 and another collector found an ad in a 1980 issue of Horse of Course! magazine in 1994, at which time it was brought to Nancy Young's attention.17
No one seems to have any idea why the owner of Emperor Gold Bar or Breyer would choose the G1 Arabian Stallion for this run as the horse it was representing was actually a Quarter Horse. The palomino stallion came mounted on top of a clear resin base containing a small piece of horse poo. He came with a hang-tag reading:
As famous as this horse seems to have been, I haven't been able to find anything on him with a Google search or through AllBreed. I'm sure the AQHA pedigree database would bring up his record, but I'm not curious enough to purchase a membership.
Pancho in matte and satin finish
Model & picture owned by Deb Walsmith & used by permission. Model & picture owned by Elizabeth Emswiler & used by permission.
Even later to the party was the special run G1 Quarter Horse Stallion sold by the Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm, home of the descendants of Misty of Chincoteague. This little black horse was commissioned to represent Pancho, one of the farm's performing Miniature Horses. In the act, these Minis were billed as different breeds, Pancho was their star "Quarter Horse".
These models are reputed to have been in production since the 70s, based on the release dates of the mold, 1976 is probably the earliest date they could have appeared. According to the owner of the shop, less than 1,000 models were produced.35
In the late 80s or early 90s two collectors purchased a quantity of these models from the shop at the pony farm during their holiday on the island. Some of these were offered for sale at the 1997 BreyerFest at which time the hobby at large became aware of the run. The rest were offered later in 1998. Other collectors then came forward with examples which had been purchased in 1982/83.35
It is uncertain how long these models were produced, but with their relatively small production number, it is likely that they were purchased from Breyer in one batch and were sold from the shop for a period of years before the supply ran out.
How exactly these models were packaged is unknown, but some examples are accompanied by a few other souvenirs from the shop, namely a sheet of puffy stickers representing ponies from the farm and a postcard featuring Pancho in front of the iconic Chincoteague Pony Farm barn surrounded by adoring fans.
Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm postcards
Many, many postcards have been printed by the farm with pictures of Misty and her family and friends. A surprising number of different Pancho cards can be found.
A history of the Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm and pictures of the ponies can be found at Misty's Heaven.
Before the dawn of the internets, collectors only found out about the smaller, more obscure special runs through word of mouth or by being fortunate enough to read the right magazines and newsletters. Breyer did, and still does, release small numbers of special runs for an audience other than the greater collecting community, so if you aren't in the know, it can be hard to keep up.
Some examples of the early runs began coming to light as the Breyer events got bigger and more popular, and information became more widely disseminated as Breyer collectors got online and started comparing notes. Now it's possible to get the latest model news as it breaks via Facebook and the assorted forums which have sprung up.
 |
| Model and picture owned by PolarVrtX and used here by permission. |
A metal G1 Saddlebred? Is this a knock off, a custom, or could it be original finish?! It turns out that in 1975 Breyer commissioned an outside company to create 1,000 of electroplated G1 Saddlebreds to celebrate their silver anniversary 34 and probably to announce the introduction of the stablemate line. These were given away as promotional items in silver boxes with purple inserts.34
The first BreyerFest auction in 1990 featured one of these silver models; the auction card confirmed the production numbers and the 1990 Nov./Dec. Just About Horses described the distribution method.34 It is probable the existence of these models wasn't widely known until the 1990 auction and JAH mention.
 |
| Model and picture owned by Deb Walsmith and used here by permission. |
Almost as difficult to find, especially complete with his base, is this little conversation starter - Emperor Gold Bar and his 'Genuine horse-hockey'. Yes, you've got that right, he originally came with real horse poo!
Production quantity is unknown and dates for this release are uncertain - they're generally listed as 1975-85. A collector bought one example from a seller who stated they had purchased the model some time in 1975 and another collector found an ad in a 1980 issue of Horse of Course! magazine in 1994, at which time it was brought to Nancy Young's attention.17
No one seems to have any idea why the owner of Emperor Gold Bar or Breyer would choose the G1 Arabian Stallion for this run as the horse it was representing was actually a Quarter Horse. The palomino stallion came mounted on top of a clear resin base containing a small piece of horse poo. He came with a hang-tag reading:
Front: Genuine 'Horse-Hockey' By 'Emperor's Gold Bar' A.Q.H.A. Reg. No. 786615The ad found in Horse of Course! read:
Inside: Great grandson of world-famous 'Three Bars,' and one of the most beautiful racing bred stallions in the world. Declared undisputed world equine tetherball champion in 1971 and still holds claim to that title today. Emperor is sometimes referred to as the 'million dollar lover' since his advertised breeding fee is a whopping $1,000,000,000 [sic].
Space-Age Products
Tolleson, AZ 17
Emperor's Gold Bar is the beautiful racing bred stallion who's[sic] advertised breeding fee soared to an incredible one-million dollars!!!! Now you can own a piece of this Gorgeous Palomino stallion. Genuine 'horse-hockey' from Emperor's stall artistically entombed in transparent plastic. Atop is a solid detailed statue of Emperor.
The Conversation piece of the century, and the perfect gift. Order Now While Supply Lasts.
$8.50
The Clements Co.
Guntersville, AL 17
As famous as this horse seems to have been, I haven't been able to find anything on him with a Google search or through AllBreed. I'm sure the AQHA pedigree database would bring up his record, but I'm not curious enough to purchase a membership.
Pancho in matte and satin finish
Model & picture owned by Deb Walsmith & used by permission. Model & picture owned by Elizabeth Emswiler & used by permission.
Even later to the party was the special run G1 Quarter Horse Stallion sold by the Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm, home of the descendants of Misty of Chincoteague. This little black horse was commissioned to represent Pancho, one of the farm's performing Miniature Horses. In the act, these Minis were billed as different breeds, Pancho was their star "Quarter Horse".
These models are reputed to have been in production since the 70s, based on the release dates of the mold, 1976 is probably the earliest date they could have appeared. According to the owner of the shop, less than 1,000 models were produced.35
In the late 80s or early 90s two collectors purchased a quantity of these models from the shop at the pony farm during their holiday on the island. Some of these were offered for sale at the 1997 BreyerFest at which time the hobby at large became aware of the run. The rest were offered later in 1998. Other collectors then came forward with examples which had been purchased in 1982/83.35
It is uncertain how long these models were produced, but with their relatively small production number, it is likely that they were purchased from Breyer in one batch and were sold from the shop for a period of years before the supply ran out.
 |
| Model, items & picture owned by Amy Widman & used here by permission. |
How exactly these models were packaged is unknown, but some examples are accompanied by a few other souvenirs from the shop, namely a sheet of puffy stickers representing ponies from the farm and a postcard featuring Pancho in front of the iconic Chincoteague Pony Farm barn surrounded by adoring fans.
Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm postcards
Many, many postcards have been printed by the farm with pictures of Misty and her family and friends. A surprising number of different Pancho cards can be found.
 |
| Pancho retiring to his barn in 1985 after a performance. Picture taken by Eleda and used here by permission. |
A history of the Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm and pictures of the ponies can be found at Misty's Heaven.
Many thanks to PolarVrtX, Deb Walsmith, Elizabeth Emswiler, Amy Widman, and Eleda at Triple Mountain for providing pictures of these rarities from their collections!
Friday, August 01, 2014
Play Sets and Singles: Got to Be a Götz - Ponies and Dolls
Götz (or Goetz in the US) started as a small, family owned, German doll company in the 1950s. Originally made with paper mache, in 1957 the company began using rotational molding to produce vinyl dolls. They pioneered the mass-production of "designer" dolls with their product line by artist, Sasha Morgenthaler, in 1964. After establishing a factory in the US in the late 1980s, Götz became involved with the Pleasant Company, the producers of the American Girl Dolls.33 The company continues to be a major player in the designer doll world to this day.
Breyer produced models for both the Pleasant Company and Götz, but the runs produced for the former company were only of the larger scales, and thus of little interest to us here.
Breyer produced models for both the Pleasant Company and Götz, but the runs produced for the former company were only of the larger scales, and thus of little interest to us here.
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