How to Determine Breyer Model Value

I want to sell my Breyer Horse Collection, Can you tell me what they are worth?

Does this sound like a question you may be asking? I have been asked this question countless times by a variety of people wanting to know more about the breyer model value for their breyer horse.

What do you have?
Let me ask you this, how much do you know about Breyer Models? Do you have a Collectors Guide to go by? Do you know what models you have and the year they were made? What are the conditions of the models? If you can't answer this questions, you need to do your research.

Doing your research
Spend as much time as you can becoming familiar with the models, the names of the molds, when the models were made. Type in the name of your model into google, or visit our page on helpful breyer websites. If you haven't already, read up on our page on what factors affect breyer horse values.

Breyer Collector Guides I use two books for reference: "Breyer Animal Collectors Guide" by Felicia Browell, and "Breyer Molds & Models" by Nancy Atkinson Young. Felicia Browell's wonderful guide will give you the mold number, year made and estimated value of the model as well as handy cross reference lists. Just keep in mind the books are a "guide" and it is really the Collector that is buying that ultimately determines the value. However a guide gives you a ballpark figure to start with. And if you paid $100 for a model 15+ years ago, the condition is almost perfect with no rubs, cracks or breaks, then you may be in luck. You may just have one that will bring a higher price.

A rule of thumb
Determining value can be tough because it is the Buyer that has the deciding factor and the money to spend. Never forget this. However, the one method I have used is to compare prices from two of the Collectors books I own, and pony lagoon. I add up all five numbers and then divide by five to get the average value. If the condition is not as good, I will lower my expected price, if the model is in near mint condition, I will raise a bit. This has worked for me and the Buyer more often than not. (The guides have a numbering system for condition that a few Collectors use or refer too.)

However, you should keep in mind as well that on some of the harder to find models, even the collectors guides can be way off. Such as with Babe the Blue Ox, a Texas Longhorn model where only two were ever made. The one and only one I have ever seen on eBay, about six months ago, went for over $10,000. The books had him guessed at $750. :-)

Ask other collectors
Take some time and ask questions of Collectors. See what models are selling for and who is buying them. Ask as many questions you can, and watch what is selling online.

If you have some inventory, you may want to apply to become a Collector of the Month on Breyer Horse Collectors. In this section of the website you are able to show pictures of your models, tell a few things about yourself and how people can get a hold of you if they would like to purchase any of your models. And it is FREE.

Once we know what you have we might know of some Collectors who are interested in the models you have and can give them your contact information. Just be prepared to show pictures of all sides.

There really is no hard and fast rules that say “this model is worth this much” because it varies so greatly. So buy yourself one or both of these great books and get started reading, you may be amazed at what you learn and change your mind about selling your treasures.

Factors that Affect Breyer Model Value