Breyer Animal Creations

Lore & Background

Breyer Animal Creations was founded in 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, as Breyer Molding Company. It gained recognition when commissioned by F.W. Woolworth to create a horse statue (now known as the #57 Western Horse) to adorn a mantel clock. It was approximately 1:9 scale and the model was retained as payment for molding the parts. Orders began to roll in for the horse only and the Breyer Animal Creations company was founded. Since then, Breyer has become a leader in producing model horses. In 1984, Reeves International acquired Breyer Animal Creations and spent the next 20 years completing its transformation from toy distribution to manufacturing. Model horses are sold through independent distributors and the Breyer website. While Breyer products were originally manufactured in the United States, production now takes place in China.

Each horse is cast in a two to three piece mold. Both halves are then put together and the seams are sanded and polished. Markings and color patterns are usually obtained by using a stencil known as a mask, although most older models were airbrushed by hand, with markings such as undefined socks or a piebald face merely left unpainted. Most detailing, such as eye-whites, brands, or other individual markings are painstakingly hand-painted. Sometimes, a variation in the paint job occurs. Variation refers to a difference, usually in the paint job of a small number of a certain model, from how they were produced in the factory. The reason for variations is rarely known. For example, there is a common mold, typically called the Proud Arabian Stallion (abbreviated PAS by collectors), that for many years was produced by Breyer with a dappled gray coat and a gray mane, tail and hooves. However, for some unknown reason, a few of these models came from the factory with black manes, tails, and hooves, and black socks or stockings. These rare models are considered variations of the Dapple Grey PAS, and are very valuable compared to the regular model, which is quite common. They were later determined to be their own unique color model, and not a variation of the original PAS.

Reader's Guide

Breyer Animal Creations holds a significant place in the model horse collecting world as a long-standing leader in the industry. The company's history, beginning with a commission from F.W. Woolworth in 1950, established its foundational model, the #57 Western Horse, which led to the formation of the company. The acquisition by Reeves International in 1984 marked a shift from toy distribution to manufacturing, and production later moved to China. The company's production processes, involving cellulose acetate casting and hand-painting, create models that vary in rarity and value. Rarity is judged by limited release periods or small production numbers, with one-of-a-kind models given as prizes or auctioned at BreyerFest being the most coveted. The introduction of the Collector Club in 2012, with its specialty clubs like the Vintage Club, Stablemates Club, and Premier Collection, provides members access to limited-run models and exclusive events. BreyerFest, held annually since 1990 at the Kentucky Horse Park, is a major three-day festival that includes special-run models, auctions, and model horse shows, reinforcing the company's role in fostering a dedicated collector community. The company also produced special models for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games, including a set of eight miniature horses representing the disciplines and a Traditional size model named Esprit.

Did You Know?

• Breyer was originally founded as Breyer Molding Company in Chicago, Illinois in 1950.
• The company's first model, the #57 Western Horse, was created as a mantel clock adornment for F.W. Woolworth.
• BreyerFest, first held in 1990, is a three-day annual festival at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
• In 2010, Breyer produced a set of eight miniature horses representing the eight disciplines of the FEI World Equestrian Games.