Great Finds One of my favorite aspects of the model horse hobby is the never-ending search for those rare and desirable models at bargain prices. I love checking out junk shops, flea markets, garage sales, and antique shops for any kind of HSO (horse shaped object). Here are some great finds I've had over the years... One of my first finds was a #57 palomino Western Horse. She was one of the very first palomino Western Horse models to be produced by Breyer. I estimate that she was made in 1951, based on what I read in Nancy Young's Breyer Molds and Models. Her high grommet snap saddle, o-link reins, beautiful matte dark sorrel color, and black hooves all indicate that she was a very early piece. She also appears to have chalky plastic, though it's hard to tell for sure. She's one of my favorites, and is shown as Carolina Cutie. Summer, 1996: At a local antique mall, I found a woodgrain 5-gaiter for $5. I saw someone carrying him around, and I thought "d'oh, I just missed him!" I followed the girl who was carrying him... and she put him back in his booth! Of course, I snatched him up. But... poor guy! His head and neck are severely bloated, and he has chipped ears and many rubs. He's now been retired, and frolics in our pastures daily. Summer, 1997: My first "big" find was a #967 woodgrain poodle. I bought him at an antique mall for $12. He was in a booth with a whole collection of poodle figurines and the only Breyer poodle in the lot. When I saw him, I quickly looked to see of anyone was around. I then promptly did a happy dance and said "I have to get this!" three times in a row to my parents. *Ahem* He has eyewhites, a red tongue, and a black collar with gold buckles. He's shown under the name Bay City Soda Pup. Summer, 1998: Wow! Three summers in a row I find a woodgrain! This time it was the woodgrain boxer. I found him at a trading post store for $19.95. He has nice facial shading, green eyes, and painted-on white facial markings. His show name is Leelanau. I've only taken him to a couple of shows, mostly showing him in a Collector's Class with other models. At one of the shows, someone was trying to convince me to let them buy him! At the same place I bought my woodgrain boxer, I also purchased a #301 Buck for $15.95. He has a perfect blue ribbon sticker. Cool! Now I have a #302 Doe to match my #301 Buck. She has a perfect BRS, just like my Buck. Anyone have a Fawn with a BRS? I need to complete the family.... What's this? Heh, heh. I found this guy at a local toy store for about $20. He's the #763 Red Dun Spotted Blanket Appy ASHF. You may have noticed, but this guy has *no spots* on his blanket, so he's a wierd variation. He's shown as Soft Rain, but I tend to call him No Spots. Early Summer, 2003: A Hagen-Renaker flea market find for $5! He came in a baggie with a generic white bone china horse & a Morgan Foal #390 with a broken leg. This guy is beautiful and has no breaks! He's Seabiscuit #10, made from fall '61 - spring '63 & fall of '68. I've been told by H-R experts that he's pretty rare. Ahh... and buckskin is one of my favorite horse colors... What a pretty guy! Sorry about the blurry pic. :O) Other Finds: #30 glossy alabaster Fighting Stallion #5 chalky palomino FAM #80 chalky bay clydesdale stallion #121 smoke running mare 1960's SR FAM in medium chestnut 1960's SR FAF in medium chestnut #67 glossy black poodle w/green eyes & painted-on white teeth #219 chalky mahogany bay PAF E-mail | Home