Breyer models are very collectible and can be valuable.  Breyer models have been produced since 1950 and range from Traditional size (roughly 8" H) to small stablemates (roughly 2" H).  Not only does Breyer produce fine horse models, they also produce excellent wildlife and farm animal models as well.  Because the age and condition varies so greatly, I have decided to write this guide for newer collectors, based on my experience.  This guide mainly refers to buying on Ebay (or some other venue where you are not able to inspect the model in person before buying) and mainly concerns older models or models out of the box.  I have been collecting for nine years and have purchased many Breyer's on Ebay. 

1. Before buying / bidding on a Breyer make sure you know the condition exactly.  If you intend to show your new or "new to you" model it must be in excellent condition, as even the slightest imperfection can be detrimental to your model's placing.  Unfortunately, some sellers are inexperienced with Breyer's and can overlook some serious flaws, such as yellowing.  My sister has purchased several vintage horses on Ebay which the seller advertised the horse as being without yellowing.  However, when she received the model, it was yellowed and thus devalued.  She was also very disappointed with one foal she purchased which was yellowed and did not match the mare, which was not yellowed.  Be especially careful when purchasing a mare, foal, or stallion for a set -- as yellowing will be very noticeable compared to the model(s) that is/are not yellowed. 

2. Yellowing is not limited to vintage models.  My sister bought a light colored stablemate that is only ten years old, but one side is completely yellowed from sitting on a window sill.  Under the right conditions any model can yellow, especially from prolonged exposure to sunlight.  A local tack shop in my area placed their Breyer display in front of the entrance door (which faces West), several of their models are yellowed from the sunlight and they are new in the box!  Don't assume that a model isn't yellowed, even if it's newer or in the box.  I place much emphasis on yellowing because it is hard to see in pictures (often masked completely in pictures by a flash) and [respectfully] many sellers overlook yellowing, focusing on rubs / scratches instead. 

3. For models that are not vintage, try to buy them NEW IN BOX.  This ensures that there are little or no damages -- most of the time models that are still new in the box have been kept in storage.  Believe me, unless there is a significant difference in price it is always best to buy a model that is new in the box.  Spending a little more money will be worth it to ensure that you are not disappointed with the condition of the model.  This especially applies if you intend to live show your models.  Albeit, sometimes it is worth it to purchase a model out of the box, but this will not always be the case.  The original box will also protect the model during shipping.  I once received a Baron (out of the original box) that was packed poorly and the shipping box looked to have been crushed -- thankfully my model was not broken.

• Vintage Breyer models are wonderful!  If you are looking for models that are easy to find and affordable, they are an excellent choice.  Vintage models have a lot of character, they are seldom perfect, but they are charming and sturdy.  These are the models that built Breyer, they are worth checking out!  Favorites of mine include proud arabian mares, foals, and stallions and family arabian foals. Search for Vintage Breyer's!  or Search for vintage Breyer Proud Arabians!

4. Always ASK QUESTIONS, especially if the description of the condition seems sketchy or if you have specific concerns about the model.  Certain models have problems standing without a prop, such as older running stallions and older horses in the Black Beauty mold, amoung others.  If you've heard that the mold of the model you wish to purchase has been known for being unable to stand, ask the seller to be sure.  Whether you mind or not, you should be aware of this to prevent disappointment when you receive your model.  Especially ask questions about yellowing, describe as best you can for the seller to understand and be able to determine.  

• Don't wait until your model arrives and complain to the seller -- if you have any doubts ask before bidding, this will make it easier on both you and the seller.  

5. In regards to bidding - be aware of the time of year.  As an experienced seller I have learned that certain times of year affect selling prices.  For instance: if buying around the holidays (especially Thanksgiving and Christmas) you can expect to pay more and see an increase in competition.  Winter months in general seem to have higher prices than warmer months, spring is probably the best time to buy in regards to lower prices and less competition. 

• There is a certain "ebb and flow" in Breyer model prices.  It is most adventageous to wait until the craze has died down over a new model.  After the model becomes scarce it will go back up in price, carefully moniter closed auctions to see if prices are trending up or trending down.  The ideal time to buy is the "in-between" time, which can be determined by looking at trends in prices. 
• Another note about pricing: I have observed a direct correlation between the mold a model is in and the value of that model.  Popular molds will always be worth more than undesireable molds.  Most of the newer (realistic) molds are popular, whereas the majority of older molds are not.  The Indian Pony mold is the only exception that comes immediately to my mind.  Why is this important?  This will effect the price of a horse you want to buy.  Don't wait too long because most horses in desireable molds are sleepers and will sky-rocket in price once they become scarce.  Check out Lonesome Glory (a popular mold)!  Another popular mold is Succession and Le Fire, check them out here!  The named models are quite valuable, even though this set was a regular run that was out for several years!

And finally---

6. KNOW YOUR LIMIT.  It is so easy to get caught up in a bidding war and lose track of your budget (sigh).  Decide how much you want to pay and use proxy bidding to avoid spending too much.  ((Proxy bidding is very easy, simply put in your maximum bid amount (the most your willing to pay) the first time you bid - if someone else bids against you, Ebay will bid for you automatically until your maximum bid has been reached or the auction ends.))  Unless the model your after is very rare, you'll probably have another opportunity to purchase it in the future.  Also, be mindful of shipping charges and sales tax (when applicable), add these additional charges into the amount your willing to pay.   

I hope this has been helpful, I would consider it worthwhile if even one person was aided by this guide.  Happy collecting!  Jenna  =);) 

Search for Connoisseur Breyer's!