I got Trinity a paint-by-number Breyer for Christmas.
This morning we set up the kitchen table and began painting.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Merry Christmas, Trinity!
NAMHSA Regions Map
Years ago, in the mid 1990s, model horse enthusiasts formed a national organization called North American Model Hose Showers Association (NAMHSA). I showed at the first two NANs (North American Nationals) and have several models who have earned National Top Ten placings over the year, some of my pinnacle moments as a collector.
North America is divided up into regions (I live in Region 8) and shows are held on a regional level that allow you to qualify for NAN. I went to two shows this past year and have a bunch of pieces qualified for the 2013 and 2014 NAN (once you qualify, you are eligible for two years.)
NAN will be held in Harrisburg, PA in 2013 and Lexington, Kentucky for 2014 which is where I will go if I decide to show at NAN.
Below is a map of all the NAMHSA regions.
North America is divided up into regions (I live in Region 8) and shows are held on a regional level that allow you to qualify for NAN. I went to two shows this past year and have a bunch of pieces qualified for the 2013 and 2014 NAN (once you qualify, you are eligible for two years.)
NAN will be held in Harrisburg, PA in 2013 and Lexington, Kentucky for 2014 which is where I will go if I decide to show at NAN.
Below is a map of all the NAMHSA regions.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Blue Ribbon Sticker Information
We used to play with those stickers - hanging them from the models' bridles as though they'd won a blue ribbon in a show, etc. Now I wish I had kept a few!
From Breyer History Diva, November 18, 2012.
From Breyer History Diva, November 18, 2012.
Making Up Stories in My Head Again
So, here’s a picture of another recent indulgence:
A pretty nice Palomino Western Prancing Horse, with sticker. I’d been on the lookout for years for just the "right" one to add to the herd. I was pretty sure he wasn’t it, either, but the price was, and there was something to him, I dunno, that told me it was necessary to buy him anyway.
Once I opened the box, it only took a few minutes to figure out why: he had the USA mold mark.
With the small Blue Ribbon Sticker, too.
According to my research, this shouldn’t happen: small stickers should only appear on models manufactured from ca. 1966 to ca. 1968, and the larger stickers - the ones with the names - should only appear on models manufactured from ca. 1969 through ca. 1970.
The USA mark was added to many (though not all) Breyer molds sometime around 1970, so any model with a USA mark would have a large Blue Ribbon Sticker, if at all.
For the most part, the chronology appears to be holding up. In the occasions when I it has not, it was either a matter of transposition - a sticker had been transplanted from another model - or it was one of those models or finishes where there’s still a lot of fuzziness about the dates. The Family Arabian Foals, for instance, were apparently re-released in Gloss in the later 1960s.
(Why exactly, we’re not sure. ‘Nother story, anyway.)
Looking at the lists I’ve compiled, I did notice some oddities. Some stickers that should, theoretically, be showing up weren’t.
Take the Bucking Bronco: has anyone actually seen a Bucking Bronco with a large version of the Blue Ribbon Sticker? Both the Black and the Bay were manufactured during the necessary time period. The Rearing Stallion, who is more or less the same scale as the Bucking Bronco, came with both versions of the sticker.
And so too, the Western Prancing Horse. Five of the six early Western Prancing Horses (all but the Black Pinto) were manufactured throughout the entire "Blue Ribbon" era, ca. 1966-ca.1970. But I have yet to see any Western Prancing Horses with the large version of the Blue Ribbon Stickers.
It’s possible it’s a sampling error; stickers are fragile, and I certainly haven’t seen every Breyer model in the world, though it feels like it sometimes. But I've been compiling this data for years now. I may now have to concede that the sticker timeline might be slightly more complicated than I thought it was. Some models that could have made the transition to larger stickers may not have.
Why that was we’ll never know for sure, but there are a couple of plausible theories. Some of these molds might have been lower or slower sellers, for whom another sticker order might have been a waste of time and money. With the Western Prancer, it might have been a space issue: it would have been something of a challenge to fit the words "Western Prancing Horse" legibly on a sticker less than an inch in diameter.
It’s possible that this guy is just another case of transposition, and my brain is just concocting fabulous scenarios to make him more interesting to me. But it still hasn’t changed the fact that I haven’t seen a Western Prancing Horse with a large Blue Ribbon Sticker. Anyone out there who can prove me wrong?
(And if you can, is he for sale?)
A pretty nice Palomino Western Prancing Horse, with sticker. I’d been on the lookout for years for just the "right" one to add to the herd. I was pretty sure he wasn’t it, either, but the price was, and there was something to him, I dunno, that told me it was necessary to buy him anyway.
Once I opened the box, it only took a few minutes to figure out why: he had the USA mold mark.
With the small Blue Ribbon Sticker, too.
According to my research, this shouldn’t happen: small stickers should only appear on models manufactured from ca. 1966 to ca. 1968, and the larger stickers - the ones with the names - should only appear on models manufactured from ca. 1969 through ca. 1970.
The USA mark was added to many (though not all) Breyer molds sometime around 1970, so any model with a USA mark would have a large Blue Ribbon Sticker, if at all.
For the most part, the chronology appears to be holding up. In the occasions when I it has not, it was either a matter of transposition - a sticker had been transplanted from another model - or it was one of those models or finishes where there’s still a lot of fuzziness about the dates. The Family Arabian Foals, for instance, were apparently re-released in Gloss in the later 1960s.
(Why exactly, we’re not sure. ‘Nother story, anyway.)
Looking at the lists I’ve compiled, I did notice some oddities. Some stickers that should, theoretically, be showing up weren’t.
Take the Bucking Bronco: has anyone actually seen a Bucking Bronco with a large version of the Blue Ribbon Sticker? Both the Black and the Bay were manufactured during the necessary time period. The Rearing Stallion, who is more or less the same scale as the Bucking Bronco, came with both versions of the sticker.
And so too, the Western Prancing Horse. Five of the six early Western Prancing Horses (all but the Black Pinto) were manufactured throughout the entire "Blue Ribbon" era, ca. 1966-ca.1970. But I have yet to see any Western Prancing Horses with the large version of the Blue Ribbon Stickers.
It’s possible it’s a sampling error; stickers are fragile, and I certainly haven’t seen every Breyer model in the world, though it feels like it sometimes. But I've been compiling this data for years now. I may now have to concede that the sticker timeline might be slightly more complicated than I thought it was. Some models that could have made the transition to larger stickers may not have.
Why that was we’ll never know for sure, but there are a couple of plausible theories. Some of these molds might have been lower or slower sellers, for whom another sticker order might have been a waste of time and money. With the Western Prancer, it might have been a space issue: it would have been something of a challenge to fit the words "Western Prancing Horse" legibly on a sticker less than an inch in diameter.
It’s possible that this guy is just another case of transposition, and my brain is just concocting fabulous scenarios to make him more interesting to me. But it still hasn’t changed the fact that I haven’t seen a Western Prancing Horse with a large Blue Ribbon Sticker. Anyone out there who can prove me wrong?
(And if you can, is he for sale?)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Gathering Storm
I read on Breyer History Diva's blog that Tuesday Morning stores were receiving Breyer overstock and that some good bargains could be had. So naturally I headed to the West Lafayette one on Saturday morning!
Sure enough, I found several I would've liked to have, but I only purchased this one:
Gathering Storm ($19.99)
Spring 2011 Collector's Choice Model
#1456 glossy charcoal grey and white pinto
Friday, October 26, 2012
San Dimas Zara
My Hagen-Renaker Zara arrived today! I bought her from my friend, Nancy Falzone, and she is stunning.
Her detail is beautiful; she is a San Dimas era piece in doeskin. Lots of crackle in her graze and nice shading.
I bought her to match my Monrovia era Amir. When I put them together, I was surprised to discover that I actually liked his color better - he is that luscious soft-edged color they did on their doeskin pieces back then while her detail is crisper.
Next up? To find the third piece of the set, the foal, Zilla.
Zara ($180)
I bought her to match my Monrovia era Amir. When I put them together, I was surprised to discover that I actually liked his color better - he is that luscious soft-edged color they did on their doeskin pieces back then while her detail is crisper.
Next up? To find the third piece of the set, the foal, Zilla.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
New Arrivals
Breyer has announced its discontinued list for 2012, and I really wanted this piece:
It's one of Breyer's earliest molds, and it was on sale for $24, so I snagged one.
And then, remembering the sweet Christmas ornaments that I received as a gift and then gave away (and regretted), I decided to take the plunge and buy the three new Merry Fillies. And I am so glad I did - they are soooo cute!
Truffle ($8)
Snowdrift ($8)
Twinkle ($8)
The photos do not do them justice - the detail in the paint jobs are incredible!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Harlequin - Vintage Collectors' Club #4
I sure am loving the new Vintage Collectors' Club Breyer began this year. I'm member #479/500, so I just squeaked in - I wasn't sure I wanted to have to buy four models sight unseen as a member. But, I figured I could always sell those I did not like, and took the plunge. (As a nice plus and surprise, a Stablemate accompanied the second model, King, and the third was a mare and foal set, so I got six models for my membership.)
Number 4, Harlequin, the final one of 2012's inaugural club, arrived last week. He's gorgeous!
No regrets on my part for joining, and I will renew my membership for 2013. Can't wait to see next year's club models!
Number 4, Harlequin, the final one of 2012's inaugural club, arrived last week. He's gorgeous!
Disintegrating Western Horse Oddity
A few weeks ago, Breyer Horse Diva wrote a blog entry about an unusual Western Horse she had found at a flea market. The model whose picture she posted (below) looked familiar - I have a palomino Western Horse that I'd found at Gordyville years ago with the same unusual black hooves.
Mine is definitely an older piece - you can tell by the color and the saddle, plus it has the older style chain reins. You can see its black hooves which are so like her model's.
Sadly, you can also see that my model has begin to deteriorate. Notice how the hind hooves are beginning to curve under? That's happened since I bought the piece - I would not buy a model in such poor condition.
And there are flecks of odd bits and colorings in the white socks. Notice how the black hooves are fading in color, too.
It is well documented within the hobby that sometimes Breyers deteriorate over time. Some bloat ("bloaties") especially if they are exposed to heat. "Shrinkies" begin to shrink with time, and usually are models which were produced during the 1970s oil crisis when Breyer used different formulations for its plastics. (I have a shrinky; my dapple grey 5 Gaiter is significantly smaller than its counterparts.)
"Oozies" actually liquify and leak. At that point, most hobbyists remove the model from display so it won't mar the finish of the shelf or harm the nearby models. I've been told that often oozies are accompanied by a vinegary smell, often the first indicator that the model will begin leaking. And some collectors actually lick their models and say the vinegary smell indicates a vinegary taste on the piece! (Okay, I admit I licked my 5 Gaiter to see if it might be an oozie. But, that piece is not one I got at a flea market - I know its history - and I keep it very clean.)
I wonder if perhaps my Western Horse got too much sun upstairs in the horse room. It's on the bottom shelf, and it does get direct sunlight briefly sometimes. None of the other models are affected, at least not that I can see. I'll make a better effort to keep the blinds closed in the summer, but it is far too late for this piece.
Breyer History Diva's horse above, and mine below.
The hind legs are discoloring as the plastic disintegrates.
It is well documented within the hobby that sometimes Breyers deteriorate over time. Some bloat ("bloaties") especially if they are exposed to heat. "Shrinkies" begin to shrink with time, and usually are models which were produced during the 1970s oil crisis when Breyer used different formulations for its plastics. (I have a shrinky; my dapple grey 5 Gaiter is significantly smaller than its counterparts.)
"Oozies" actually liquify and leak. At that point, most hobbyists remove the model from display so it won't mar the finish of the shelf or harm the nearby models. I've been told that often oozies are accompanied by a vinegary smell, often the first indicator that the model will begin leaking. And some collectors actually lick their models and say the vinegary smell indicates a vinegary taste on the piece! (Okay, I admit I licked my 5 Gaiter to see if it might be an oozie. But, that piece is not one I got at a flea market - I know its history - and I keep it very clean.)
I wonder if perhaps my Western Horse got too much sun upstairs in the horse room. It's on the bottom shelf, and it does get direct sunlight briefly sometimes. None of the other models are affected, at least not that I can see. I'll make a better effort to keep the blinds closed in the summer, but it is far too late for this piece.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Odd Western Horse
I have a Western Horse with the same odd black hooves.
(From Breyer History Diva, October 7, 2012.)
(From Breyer History Diva, October 7, 2012.)
Instead, here’s a picture of some oddity I picked up at Model Horse Congress back in 1985 or 1986:
I think he’s a cull, but I’m not entirely sure. (His condition is a little rougher than the photo lets on.) Breyer had stopped using the pinto mask on the Western Horse about 10 years earlier, and it would be a few more before they’d pull it out again for the Chestnut Pinto Just About HorsesSpecial in 1990. So he might actually have been a test for … something else? I knew he wasn’t that old, because his color was not dissimilar to the acidic yellow palominos Breyer was cranking out at the time.
The reins are obviously not original, but I can’t recall if the saddle was. I honestly can’t remember. That was when I was just starting to hit the flea markets pretty seriously, and Western Horses and Ponies were still fairly plentiful, if not in the best condition. Sometimes I’d buy something just to salvage the reins or saddle from it.
(People were a little less particular about the bodies they were willing to customize back then, too. Partly out of necessity, partly out of youthful exuberance.)
I’m also almost certain that the eyes and hooves were touched up later, too, but I never bothered to "fix" them because I couldn’t be 100 percent sure that they weren’t. Plus, I just couldn’t bear the thought of having anunfinished model standing on my shelves.
I’ve since gotten over that sentiment. This weird old boy's been grandfathered in, though. Sometimes it's best to leave some mysteries to be.
I think he’s a cull, but I’m not entirely sure. (His condition is a little rougher than the photo lets on.) Breyer had stopped using the pinto mask on the Western Horse about 10 years earlier, and it would be a few more before they’d pull it out again for the Chestnut Pinto Just About HorsesSpecial in 1990. So he might actually have been a test for … something else? I knew he wasn’t that old, because his color was not dissimilar to the acidic yellow palominos Breyer was cranking out at the time.
The reins are obviously not original, but I can’t recall if the saddle was. I honestly can’t remember. That was when I was just starting to hit the flea markets pretty seriously, and Western Horses and Ponies were still fairly plentiful, if not in the best condition. Sometimes I’d buy something just to salvage the reins or saddle from it.
(People were a little less particular about the bodies they were willing to customize back then, too. Partly out of necessity, partly out of youthful exuberance.)
I’m also almost certain that the eyes and hooves were touched up later, too, but I never bothered to "fix" them because I couldn’t be 100 percent sure that they weren’t. Plus, I just couldn’t bear the thought of having anunfinished model standing on my shelves.
I’ve since gotten over that sentiment. This weird old boy's been grandfathered in, though. Sometimes it's best to leave some mysteries to be.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Nancy Falzone
This is what a good friend does for you when she has a piece you've asked about purchasing:
Hi Lynn
Good to hear from you again on this windy cool day here. I dread the thought of winter, but that gets us closer to Breyerfest, right?
I would be happy to take time payments for my Zara, you can go longer if you like. I will say there is a beautiful Zara on eBay for much less money (& one for more money) if that is an option. It does have a break & chipped ear though. You are a friend & I just wanted to let you know that. I would be very pleased if mine went into your collection however.
I have had the best collecting week that I have had in a long time. I got a very nice palomino Peggy Lou. It has wonderful coloring & chiseling & a nice eye on the near side. I was very pleased. I was also surprised that Peggy is a "boy". The second horse is a buckskin Monrovia Daisy with original sticker. She is beautiful too! She completed my set, now I have all three. Took me all these years to find these two horses.
Scarlett arrives next week. I will send you a picture of her in a separate email so you can see what the finished product looks like. I simply cannot believe my good luck in these three great horses, I won't need another horse for quite awhile. :-)
Have a nice weekend.
Nancy
Thanks, Nancy. I'll still buy yours. I know it is of the highest quality; better yet, it is a piece from a dear friend's collection.
Friday, September 21, 2012
New Clearware
I am getting hooked on Breyer's clearware! I have not yet splurged on pieces listed for sale on MH$P (Model Horse Sales Pages) but I have done some searches and looked to see what is out there that I don't yet have!
This week I ordered the 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness model ($38, the traditional sized one.)
I am not overly fond of the pink color or the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon symbols, but the model is beautiful nonetheless. (This photo does not do it justice.)
I have the other traditional sized Breast Cancer one from 2011, the Breast Cancer stablemate from this year, Under the Sea (BreyerFest), and Carnivale (BreyerFest.) I also have the clear sparkly Stablemate pony keychain from BreyerFest and maybe some other keychains in clearware - will have to check as they're boxed up and in the horse room closet.
I hope Breyer makes some more clearware, especially in a color other than pink.
This week I ordered the 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness model ($38, the traditional sized one.)
I have the other traditional sized Breast Cancer one from 2011, the Breast Cancer stablemate from this year, Under the Sea (BreyerFest), and Carnivale (BreyerFest.) I also have the clear sparkly Stablemate pony keychain from BreyerFest and maybe some other keychains in clearware - will have to check as they're boxed up and in the horse room closet.
I hope Breyer makes some more clearware, especially in a color other than pink.
Harlequin - #4 Vintage Collectors Club
Breyer has announced the fourth (and last of the 2012) Vintage Collectors Club piece:
She talks about the piece having darker, not black legs, and she is referring to this same color across molds. So, I got mine out to examine them, and I have a different take on the leg color.
My fighting stallion (it used to belong to my sister, Leslie, but she gave it to me in the late 1980s/early1990s) has mixed-sized spots and definitely black legs.
So does my Family Arab Stallion (Sue Seese's venerable Apache Dancer! She sent him to me in the 1990s as a gift.) Clearly, those lower legs are black, not grey as Breyer History Diva calls them.
Harlequin!
He's the old Proud Arab Stallion in glossy Appaloosa. Gosh, is it beautiful. (I almost didn't join this club. It is limited to 500 members, and I am member 479. Sure am glad I changed my mind!)
Breyer History Diva had some comments to make about him. But I disagree with her on one point. Here's what she says:
(from Breyer History Diva, September 20, 2012)
Well, at least I was somewhere in the ballpark: the fourth Vintage Club release is a Proud Arabian Stallion in Gloss Gray Appaloosa, named Harlequin.
Not exactly what I was expecting, but still cool. And it does look like they absolutely nailed the color this time, with darker gray (not black) legs, and black hooves. The smaller, finer spotting the earliest Gray Appaloosas were known for is also present, a nicely observed point. I don’t have either of the Old Molds (ha!) but I do have a Fighting Stallion of the same vintage with those same sort of spots:
Isn’t he neat? Most Gray Appaloosa Fighters have bigger, sparser and more random spotting patterns, so when of my roommates at an earlier BreyerFest pulled him out of her sales stash, I just had to snag him. He was a little bit pricey (back when) but I thought then - and still do - that he was worth the splurge.
You see a lot of variation on that release’s paint job, but the fine speckling is definitely on the scarcer side. It’s not something you even see in any of the earliest Breyer ephemera, either, including the 1961 insert pages.
They did get one little detail on Harlequin wrong, though: he has eyewhites, and most Gray Appaloosas back then didn’t. They do show up from time to time - I’ve seen a couple of the Appaloosa Mustangs sporting ‘em - but it’s very unusual, and the prices I’ve seen on those pieces tend to reflect that.
Not exactly what I was expecting, but still cool. And it does look like they absolutely nailed the color this time, with darker gray (not black) legs, and black hooves. The smaller, finer spotting the earliest Gray Appaloosas were known for is also present, a nicely observed point. I don’t have either of the Old Molds (ha!) but I do have a Fighting Stallion of the same vintage with those same sort of spots:
Isn’t he neat? Most Gray Appaloosa Fighters have bigger, sparser and more random spotting patterns, so when of my roommates at an earlier BreyerFest pulled him out of her sales stash, I just had to snag him. He was a little bit pricey (back when) but I thought then - and still do - that he was worth the splurge.
You see a lot of variation on that release’s paint job, but the fine speckling is definitely on the scarcer side. It’s not something you even see in any of the earliest Breyer ephemera, either, including the 1961 insert pages.
They did get one little detail on Harlequin wrong, though: he has eyewhites, and most Gray Appaloosas back then didn’t. They do show up from time to time - I’ve seen a couple of the Appaloosa Mustangs sporting ‘em - but it’s very unusual, and the prices I’ve seen on those pieces tend to reflect that.
She talks about the piece having darker, not black legs, and she is referring to this same color across molds. So, I got mine out to examine them, and I have a different take on the leg color.
The Semi-Rearing Mustang came with white points, not black (or grey) ones. I love this piece.
Usually Breyer History Diva knows her stuff, and although she writes in a very self-absorbed manner, it is worth reading through that to get the salient, reliable hobby information. So, based on that, I am wondering if my pieces might be variations.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Cantering Welsh Pony
Breyer's Cantering Welsh Pony was hugely popular when introduced in the 1970s, but I didn't get one until the later 1980s. The CWP sold well and showed well, too.
I only have four now, and one of my "model regrets" is selling my most valuable CWP, the Small World special run with gold braids. I got it through my friend, Beth Dickinson, and sold it years later as I needed the shelf space and my family needed the cash. Since I'd said I would sell models if need be, I needed to put my money where my mouth was, and so I did. (I got over $100 for her if I remember right.)
Breyer History Diva wrote about this mold on her blog this week, and I am cutting and pasting part of that post to document the information.
From Breyer History Diva, September 14, 2012
One of my newer additions here - part of my latest box lot purchase - is this pretty solid-faced variation of the #105 Chestnut Cantering Welsh Pony:
Even though I seem to have an insanely large number of Cantering Welshies, this is the first solid-faced Chestnut I’ve had the pleasure of owning.
I don’t know why I didn’t see the need for having one before; I remember being very, very obsessed with getting the original bald-faced version of the Chestnut when it was discontinued in 1976. That was a couple of years before I became involved in the hobby, and the only way I could obtain such a rare and valuable creature was to harass my parents into dragging me to every toy store within a reasonable driving distance to our house.
(FYI: Mission accomplished.)
In 1979 Breyer brought her back, "by popular demand". It wasn’t all that unusual a maneuver in the 1970s; the scuttlebutt I heard was that it was done, primarily, to get rid of warehouse backstock. If the initial sales were good enough, they would put the item back into full production.
Such was the case with the Cantering Welsh: not only are most of the later pieces painted differently than the earlier ones - with solid faces and no ribbons - they also sport the "B" mold mark, common on molds from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The solid-faced Cantering Welsh Ponies are somewhat less common than the bald-faced ones: the bald-faced pieces were available from 1971 through 1976, while the solid-faced ones were available from 1979 through 1981. There’s not a huge difference in the price between the two of them, though, since the demand for the mold isn’t what it used to be.
I only have four now, and one of my "model regrets" is selling my most valuable CWP, the Small World special run with gold braids. I got it through my friend, Beth Dickinson, and sold it years later as I needed the shelf space and my family needed the cash. Since I'd said I would sell models if need be, I needed to put my money where my mouth was, and so I did. (I got over $100 for her if I remember right.)
Breyer History Diva wrote about this mold on her blog this week, and I am cutting and pasting part of that post to document the information.
From Breyer History Diva, September 14, 2012
One of my newer additions here - part of my latest box lot purchase - is this pretty solid-faced variation of the #105 Chestnut Cantering Welsh Pony:
Even though I seem to have an insanely large number of Cantering Welshies, this is the first solid-faced Chestnut I’ve had the pleasure of owning.
I don’t know why I didn’t see the need for having one before; I remember being very, very obsessed with getting the original bald-faced version of the Chestnut when it was discontinued in 1976. That was a couple of years before I became involved in the hobby, and the only way I could obtain such a rare and valuable creature was to harass my parents into dragging me to every toy store within a reasonable driving distance to our house.
(FYI: Mission accomplished.)
In 1979 Breyer brought her back, "by popular demand". It wasn’t all that unusual a maneuver in the 1970s; the scuttlebutt I heard was that it was done, primarily, to get rid of warehouse backstock. If the initial sales were good enough, they would put the item back into full production.
Such was the case with the Cantering Welsh: not only are most of the later pieces painted differently than the earlier ones - with solid faces and no ribbons - they also sport the "B" mold mark, common on molds from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The solid-faced Cantering Welsh Ponies are somewhat less common than the bald-faced ones: the bald-faced pieces were available from 1971 through 1976, while the solid-faced ones were available from 1979 through 1981. There’s not a huge difference in the price between the two of them, though, since the demand for the mold isn’t what it used to be.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Translucent Models
I find I am really liking Breyer's clear, translucent models. I rarely buy models from the Stablemate line, but I had to have this one sculpted by Kathleen Moody and done in pink translucent plastic with the breast cancer awareness symbol on it. It's so pretty!
I may kick myself later, but I recycled the box. I sure love the translucents! I think I have five in my collection now.
I debated saving the box it came in as it's very unusual, especially for a Stablemate.
Translucent Breast Cancer Awareness Stablemate ($6).
Breyer Blossom
Breyer has some new classic-sized models and is currently doing a series with them called Blossoms. Some of the molds are the new ones; others are the old-style classics (most of those are ick!!) There are twelve in the series, and they have a "flower of the month" motif.
Unrealistically colored horses with flowers sprinkled on their backsides? Not my style. But... I do like the August one with poppies. It has that gorgeous root beer coloring Breyer occasionally puts on a model, and poppies make me think of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and students who love books. It's on a new mold (which I like), and it's my birth month.
So... I took the plunge.
Unrealistically colored horses with flowers sprinkled on their backsides? Not my style. But... I do like the August one with poppies. It has that gorgeous root beer coloring Breyer occasionally puts on a model, and poppies make me think of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and students who love books. It's on a new mold (which I like), and it's my birth month.
So... I took the plunge.
I'm not overly fond of the red mane and tail, but the rest of the color and detail is nice (a glossy and eyewhites!) so I am pleased. ($25)
Thursday, September 6, 2012
What to Do with Ribbons?
From the blog, Riding Aside. Some terrific ideas!!
What to Do with Show Ribbons
From the blog, Riding Aside. Great ideas! I have some ribbons I won with Amy and Cee, and tons of ribbons from model shows. Maybe I'll try one of these ideas.
What To Do With All of Those Ribbons...
Now, I am not one who is drowning in show ribbons... especailly not the coveted blue and red ones... but for those who are.. or even for the show barn owners - you might just find an idea that you could use right here.
For your enjoyment - here we go:
A ribbon wreath - as long as it is done up well, it is attractive. I have seen some not so nice ones though.
This is seriously cool!
Love this elegant idea with a Christmas decor twist.
Never thought of putting the shadow frames in the barn. but why not!
Great desk decor!.. especially the desk in the barn office.
Now, I have seen many a show ribbon quilts and pillows...and most of them look like.. well don't get mad at me for saying this .. but most of them look like ribbon vomit!
BUT - when I saw this pillow... I had to save the photo to share with you. This looks like a designer piece to me!
For your enjoyment - here we go:
A ribbon wreath - as long as it is done up well, it is attractive. I have seen some not so nice ones though.
I love these frames - but to make them interesting - they need to include more than just ribbons - photos, show programs or pins are nice details
This is seriously cool!
Love this elegant idea with a Christmas decor twist.
Great desk decor!.. especially the desk in the barn office.
BUT - when I saw this pillow... I had to save the photo to share with you. This looks like a designer piece to me!
Anyone else have another idea for show ribbons?
Monday, September 3, 2012
Hartland Score!
In August, Gail Fitch published a new book about Hartland horses that have been manufactured since 2000. When she was writing it, she contacted me because I have a really rare piece in my collection. I took a picture of it for her and she published it in the book with my permission.
Of course, I bought a copy of her book (autographed!) and have been reading through it, learning more about the Hartland horses and their history. I have had a few Hartlands since my earliest hobby days, but have always preferred Breyers. (For perspective, I have 40 Hartlands versus 400+ Breyers and about 80-100 Hagen Renakers.)
I was intrigued to discover that, although the factory had gone out of business about eight years ago, there was a dealer, Sheryl Leisure of Horse Power graphics, who still had a few in stock and for sale. Needless to say, I checked out her website and ordered a couple.
I got a Dale Evans with her horse, Buttermilk and dog, Bullet ($40, #802, on left) and Roy Rogers with his horse, Trigger ($40, #806). A note on the packing slip says their manufacture dates are 2003.
(As a side note, I had a bouncing rocking horse as a child which I rode ALL the time. Its name was Buttermilk after Dale's horse.)
Of course, I bought a copy of her book (autographed!) and have been reading through it, learning more about the Hartland horses and their history. I have had a few Hartlands since my earliest hobby days, but have always preferred Breyers. (For perspective, I have 40 Hartlands versus 400+ Breyers and about 80-100 Hagen Renakers.)
I was intrigued to discover that, although the factory had gone out of business about eight years ago, there was a dealer, Sheryl Leisure of Horse Power graphics, who still had a few in stock and for sale. Needless to say, I checked out her website and ordered a couple.
(As a side note, I had a bouncing rocking horse as a child which I rode ALL the time. Its name was Buttermilk after Dale's horse.)
In addition to satisfying my cowgirl side with Dale and Roy, I also got this elegant set of Tennessee Walkers.
Amber Champagne Tennessee Walking Horse 3 piece set ($25).
Hartland score!!
Recent Acquisitions
I intended to document the growth and worth of my collection as one of the reasons I began this blog, so it might be a good idea to post information about my recent acquisitions!
From BreyerFest, 2012:
I bought this piece from Terry Richards, of Rockford, Illinois. She's an old hobby buddy from when I lived in Illinois and was putting on my live show, Lincoln Land Live. ($35)
Terry was one of the people asked to evaluate and dispose of Marney Walerius' vast collection when she died. Having known Marney, I jumped at the chance to get a piece from her collection.
This Lady Phase is an oldie but goodie, and all the more special because it belonged to Marney. ($15)
Folks who bought single-day tickets to BreyerFest got a special Stablemate as part of their ticket deal.
I am not a collector of stablemates, but the quality on this one is very high. Plus, my friend, Kathleen Moody, sculpted it. I love having a personal connection to my pieces. (Ticket price $20)
I also bought some models from my favorite dealer, Lynn Luther. She owns The Model Trading Post and has been in business since 1991.
It's a beautiful piece, but very, very fragile, and I think the glue would show should I break it and try to repair it.
From BreyerFest, 2012:
A woodgrain Jolly Cholly!
Terry was one of the people asked to evaluate and dispose of Marney Walerius' vast collection when she died. Having known Marney, I jumped at the chance to get a piece from her collection.
Folks who bought single-day tickets to BreyerFest got a special Stablemate as part of their ticket deal.
I also bought some models from my favorite dealer, Lynn Luther. She owns The Model Trading Post and has been in business since 1991.
Year of the Dragon (porcelain) ($60)
Champion Sprinkles 5 Gaiter ($34)
And, from the Breyer website because they can only be bought from the factory, I purchased this crystal mini Huckleberry Bey (sculpted by Kathleen.) ($45)
It comes in its own padded box, and for the moment I am keeping it in that for safekeeping.
It's a beautiful piece, but very, very fragile, and I think the glue would show should I break it and try to repair it.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Yellow Mount
Here is a picture of my Yellow Mount. I got it in the early 1970s and it is most likely a chalky:
Breyer History Diva did a blog post about this piece, and she wrote some interesting things that had me checking my piece.
Mine does not have the blue ribbon sticker or the dorsal stripe, but it does have the forearm spot and pink/red hooves. As I recall, I got it shortly after Breyer began producing it, if not the year of.
(From Breyer History Diva, September, 2012)
The earliest variation, with the blue ribbon sticker, dorsal stripe, and pinkish hooves would be ideal, of course, but they’re way more difficult to come by than the early Man o’ Wars. It’s been years since I’ve seen one like that up for sale, and the price it went for was definitely not to my liking.
I’d settle for a Presentation Series piece, or a nice Chalky, or even a late example with no forearm spot and dark greyish hooves.
As I noted above, the earliest Yellow Mounts had dorsal stripes - a subtle acknowledgement of the fact that the real Yellow Mount was actually Red Dun, not Chestnut. Breyer called him a "Chestnut Paint’ right from the get go, though. From the 1970 Collector’s Manual, the year he debuted:
I don’t know if this was a simple mistake, or if Breyer "simplified" the color for the general market. Yeah, the really horse-crazy kids would know what a Red Dun is, but an average consumer has a hard enough time telling a Bay from a Chestnut. It had only been a couple years earlier that Breyer itself had even figured out the difference!
It’s not that big a deal nowadays - in fact, trying to upsell an older mold with an exotic color is all the rage these days. (Remember the "Silver Dapple Dilute Dun" on a more recent release of the Adios, Frappe? Of course you do!)
The Yellow Mount lost his dorsal stripe early on - like so many other early decorating changes, a matter of cost.
Breyer History Diva did a blog post about this piece, and she wrote some interesting things that had me checking my piece.
Mine does not have the blue ribbon sticker or the dorsal stripe, but it does have the forearm spot and pink/red hooves. As I recall, I got it shortly after Breyer began producing it, if not the year of.
(From Breyer History Diva, September, 2012)
The earliest variation, with the blue ribbon sticker, dorsal stripe, and pinkish hooves would be ideal, of course, but they’re way more difficult to come by than the early Man o’ Wars. It’s been years since I’ve seen one like that up for sale, and the price it went for was definitely not to my liking.
I’d settle for a Presentation Series piece, or a nice Chalky, or even a late example with no forearm spot and dark greyish hooves.
As I noted above, the earliest Yellow Mounts had dorsal stripes - a subtle acknowledgement of the fact that the real Yellow Mount was actually Red Dun, not Chestnut. Breyer called him a "Chestnut Paint’ right from the get go, though. From the 1970 Collector’s Manual, the year he debuted:
It’s not that big a deal nowadays - in fact, trying to upsell an older mold with an exotic color is all the rage these days. (Remember the "Silver Dapple Dilute Dun" on a more recent release of the Adios, Frappe? Of course you do!)
The Yellow Mount lost his dorsal stripe early on - like so many other early decorating changes, a matter of cost.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Kathleen Moody - a Little History
On the Moody Madness list there has been an ongoing discussion about Kathleen Moody's model, Simply Splendid and whether it was released by Hartland.
Kathleen herself clears up the confusion but also adds some interesting Breyer history, too:
Kathleen herself clears up the confusion but also adds some interesting Breyer history, too:
Sat Aug 4, 2012 11:45 am (PDT) . Posted by:
"Kathleen Moody"
*Okay. To set the record straight- I did Simply Splendid before my
involvement with Hartland existed. It was one of the first horses I ever
did in clay and the very first resin I ever produced. I had it cast
through DaBar Enterprises, who then released and sold it. It was never
associated with Hartland in any way. SS was the horse that one of my
model buddies took to Calif to a Breyer West show and got the attention
of Peter Stone which resulted in my being hired by Breyer over twenty +
years ago. Hartland produced Lady Jewel and Jade in plastic (who were
created to be companion pieces for SS). The** Mini, the Paso (and Pocket
Ponies which were created by Carol Gasper and Linda Lima) were released
through Paola Groeber as resins ** before I started work with Breyer.
**Paola painted alot of stuff including SS.** They were all created in
the same time period- thus the confusion. Splendid Adventure was a very
limited run released later as a variation of SS.
involvement with Hartland existed. It was one of the first horses I ever
did in clay and the very first resin I ever produced. I had it cast
through DaBar Enterprises, who then released and sold it. It was never
associated with Hartland in any way. SS was the horse that one of my
model buddies took to Calif to a Breyer West show and got the attention
of Peter Stone which resulted in my being hired by Breyer over twenty +
years ago. Hartland produced Lady Jewel and Jade in plastic (who were
created to be companion pieces for SS). The** Mini, the Paso (and Pocket
Ponies which were created by Carol Gasper and Linda Lima) were released
through Paola Groeber as resins ** before I started work with Breyer.
**Paola painted alot of stuff including SS.** They were all created in
the same time period- thus the confusion. Splendid Adventure was a very
limited run released later as a variation of SS.
K*
Friday, July 27, 2012
What IS This?
In addition to a beautiful rosette, my Windsong Sherif won this red china horse head as Reserve Grand Champion in the Americanware Show at Breakables (Breyerfest, 2012.) It was hollow inside, too. Odd. But what was it?
Maggie Barkovitz, the show's host, posted a thank you letter online, and that's how I discovered I'd won a stirrup cup! I'd heard of them, but did not know what they were. Wow! Sculpted by Kristina Francis Lucas - I cannot afford her work! Pretty nifty!
Second, I want to thank Kristina Lucas Francis and Marge Para. Kristina
your stirrup cups this year were genius. They were a fun and refreshing
change from the tiles. I hope the entrants liked them too. Keeping it fun
and fresh are two of my favorite things to do, and you delivered with these
cups. To Marge thank you for casting and glazing these wonderful pieces.
Second, I want to thank Kristina Lucas Francis and Marge Para. Kristina
your stirrup cups this year were genius. They were a fun and refreshing
change from the tiles. I hope the entrants liked them too. Keeping it fun
and fresh are two of my favorite things to do, and you delivered with these
cups. To Marge thank you for casting and glazing these wonderful pieces.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Chalky Black Bucking Bronco
(From Breyer History Diva, July, 2012. A post about BreyerFest, 2012.)
A Chalky Black Bucking Bronco! I had never seen one before - and judging from the reaction I got from everyone I showed him to, nobody else has, either. The fact that I found him at all - in this white-hot Chalky market - is absolutely astounding. (And so was the price!)
He’s pretty darn close to mint, for a Chalky. He’s a "White Plastic" Chalky, too, which means that there have to be more than just a handful out there. They might have just run the one batch of that plastic, but I’m not sure quite how many Bucking Broncos a drum of Tenite translates into. (A hundred? Maybe two?)
A Chalky Black Bucking Bronco! I had never seen one before - and judging from the reaction I got from everyone I showed him to, nobody else has, either. The fact that I found him at all - in this white-hot Chalky market - is absolutely astounding. (And so was the price!)
He’s pretty darn close to mint, for a Chalky. He’s a "White Plastic" Chalky, too, which means that there have to be more than just a handful out there. They might have just run the one batch of that plastic, but I’m not sure quite how many Bucking Broncos a drum of Tenite translates into. (A hundred? Maybe two?)
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Breakables 2012 Winners
Since I have been known to forget who won what at model horse shows, I took photos to document my horses' wins from Breakables. (Note to self: the orange tablecloth in stable colors is a bit much as a backdrop!)
A beautiful horsehead bust was awarded to Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion winners. Windsong Sherif won this one.
Windsong Sherif
Americanware Show
2nd in Breed
1st in Collectibility
Champion Foal
Reserve Grand Champion of Show
Windsong Misty
Americanware Show
1st in Breed
2nd in Collectibility
Reserve Champion Pony
Picadilly
Europeanware Show
2nd in Collectibility
Hagrid
Americanware Show
1st in Breed
5th in Collectibility
Windsong Indabab
Americanware Show
4th in Breed
4th in Collectibility
Windsong Zara
Americanware Show
4th in Breed
Lincoln
Americanware Show
5th in Breed
5th in Collectibility
Windsong Two Bits
Americanware Show
5th in Collectibility
Gregorian Chant
Americanware Show
3rd in Breed
1st in Collectibility
Windsong Amir
Americanware Show
4th in Collectibility
Indabab's Image
Americanware Show
5th in Collectibility
Pavarotti
Europeanware Show
3rd in Collectibility
Rembrandt
Americanware Show
4th in Collectibility
Vader
Other Countryware Show
1st in Breed
1st in Collectibility
Uppsala
Lakeshore Show
1st in Breed
Bracken
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
5th in Collectibility
D'Artagnan
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
3rd in Breed
Fancy Freckles
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
3rd in Breed
3rd in Collectibility
Jarrko
Americanware Show
1st in Breed
2nd in Collectibility
Galaxias
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
4th in Breed
3rd in Collectibility
Texas Bluebonnet
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
3rd in Breed
Spotted Bear
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
2nd in Breed
2nd in Collectibility
Blackberry
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
2nd in Breed
1st in Collectibility
Old Maud
Other Countryware Show
1st in Breed
Sunflower
OF Resin/Cold Cast Porcelain Show
2nd in Breed
2nd in Collectibility
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