Hong Kong Kipper

I saw this cute on eBay and made an offer on it because I thought the price ($25) was too much. I offered $14 and the owner countered at $16.

 Hong Kong Kipper, $16, 1970s, 8/2018, eBay, Mopsyissa/Christine Gailey, Riverside CA.

He is super cute!

Kipper/Vintage Showcase Box

My Breyer Kipper is in his original box. Not only is he rare, but the box is as well. Just as the article says below, I have found his box frustratingly flimsy - glad I've hung onto it all these years!!

From Tina Dils' blog, Darlin' Dils Collectibles

This Family Arabian Mare is in one of the most valuable boxes Breyer made.  She is an example of the Showcase Collection.  Previous to this time the models came in plain cardboard boxes with only the number and name of the model inside.  Retailers had a display in the store showing an example of the models they carried, and consumers would look at the display to choose the model they wanted to buy.  In the early 1970s Breyer wanted a package that showed off the model inside but also protected it from damage from handling.  This box was one of their early efforts.  It is a clamshell clear plastic with indents to keep the model from moving around too much in the box.  A catalog of their offerings for the year was generally included and there was a label somewhere on the box with the model name and number (in this case it is on the bottom of the box under the model).  These plastic boxes were quite flimsy, so after a few restylings Breyer moved to the solid cardboard box with a drawing or picture of the model on the outside instead.  The Showcase boxes are extremely rare, particularly in good condition and are usually far more valuable than the model inside.

Thanks to Christina Dils, I have a copy of an advertisement for the Kipper and the other (never produced) Thelwell models. Notice how different they are.