Breyer Animal Creations
Breyer Animal Creations is primarily a manufacturer of model horses. Founded in 1950, the company, now a division of Reeves International, Inc, specializes in model horses made from cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, and produces other animal models from the same material as well. Less well known are its porcelain horse figures, which are aimed at the adult collector market. The company also produces model tack accessories and horse-related structures, such as stables, barns, and grooming implements in scale to its model horses.
History
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 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.
Production processes
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, 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.Collector value of products
The rarity of the model is a method of judging collectibility and value. A model can be defined as rare if it was released for a short period of time in the past and aren't many left in circulation, or if it was released in very limited numbers. The most extreme cases of this are the very few Breyer releases that are one-of-a-kind, which are always given out as prizes or sold off at auction for charity at the yearly Breyerfest gatherings. These horses are by far the most coveted and highly valued model horses.Collector Clubs
In 2012, Breyer introduced its Collector Club. The Collector Club offers access to different specialty clubs, including the Vintage Collector Club, Stablemates Collector Club, and The Premiere Collection. It also offers members access to limited run models, exclusive sales, giveaways, special events, and an annual Just About Horses magazine.The Premier Collection debuts 3 brand new sculptures annually. These models are painted to a higher standard than regular run models. This club also includes a bonus Stablemates model which are either brand new pieces or the first miniaturized version of a Traditional scale favorite. Every member also receives a sketch of the first Premier model.
The Vintage Club is a limited-membership club that focuses on a blend of models, decorations, and finishes from the past and today. The Vintage Club releases four models throughout the year. Each model comes with its own Certificate of Authenticity.
The Stablemates Club debuts a new sculpture, a gambler's choice, and a fresh take on a G1 original model from circa 1975, along with other beautiful models. Six total releases are spread throughout the year.