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How to Value a Breyer Model Horse Collection

Breyer model horses are the product of Reeves International, who has produced them since the early 1950s. Though the models are marketed as toys they are also cherished by adult hobbyists who collect and trade them. Collectible items are worth how much a collector is willing to pay, but there are guidelines to follow if you want to start collecting or estimate the value of Breyer models you already have.

Instructions

- 1
  Recognize the model category your Breyer model matches. Breyer makes several lines including Traditional, Stable Mate and Special Run models. Traditional models are the large-scale ones which are about a foot long and approximately 9-inches in height. They retail for approximately $40 new and generally carry the highest values.
- 2
  Identify the mold used to make your model. Breyer uses the same molds over and over, and some of these have been in use since the 1950s. The molds have names that may indicate a breed type, for example Proud Arabian Stallion, or they may be named after a particular horse. Models made from the same mold may appear in various color variations.
- 3
  Determine the age of your model horse. If you bought it new this part is easy. If you didn't you can research the model's age using the mold name and painted details of color and markings.
- 4
  Examine your model's condition very carefully. Condition is highly important to collectors. Place the model in really good lighting and look for scratches, smudges, white marks where the paint has worn away and any other flaws. Broken pieces and substantial paint damage detract considerably from the value. Minor flaws are less important, especially if offset by mold value or rarity of the piece.
- 5
  Assess your piece for other factors that may contribute to or detract from its collectible value. Some collectors especially favor a model that still has its original packaging. At the other end of the spectrum are collectors and hobbyists who like to customize their models by altering the paint, adding manes and tails or making them into works of original art.

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