The Presentation Collection

"Gift! Trophy! Decorator piece!"

This is how the Presentation Collection was introduced to prospective buyers in a 1971 Western Horseman advertisement. Even in its early days, Breyer recognized the beauty and realism of its creations. For those looking for a little extra elegance in their home decor, Breyer created the Presentation Collection, a series of regular line models mounted onto sleek walnut bases with engraved brass nameplates.

The collection had a very brief production timeline – between 1971 and 1973 – which implies that they weren’t strong sellers. Their original $15 price tag in 1971 is equal to over $100 in today’s dollars, and the un-mounted versions of these models could be purchased at a fraction of that price. Like the quickly-discontinued decorator models from a few years earlier, original Presentation Collection models are also highly sought-after today. In total, 7 horses and 4 wildlife models were released in this configuration. 

Two of the original Presentation Collection models: Man O' War and the alabaster Indian Pony
Photos by Kirsten Wellman

It’s important to note that not every Breyer model mounted on a hardwood base is a Presentation Collection piece – unofficial aftermarket pieces have also been created. For example, Breyer collectors have found examples of two unofficial trophies, nicknamed the “Opportunity Trophies.” These trophies can be traced back to an Ohio Appaloosa show in the late 1980s and usually have a Breezing Dixie or Stud Spider model mounted on them alongside the award.

A Lady Phase model mounted on a trophy awarded at an Australian horse show in 1985

The hardwood base/engraved nameplate made a bit of a comeback in the early 2000s, usually packaged with Breyer Gallery pieces and QVC special runs. Unlike the original Presentation Collection models, however, the hardwood base was not permanently mounted to the horse.

2002 QVC special run model “Artist’s Proof” with hardwood base

Today, hardwood bases are found with the first production pieces of Premier Collection models – with every new release, that first piece is raffled off to a lucky club member. Each model is sent permanently attached to the hardwood base and finished with an engraved nameplate. Like the original Presentation Collection models, these first production pieces are a “holy grail” for many dedicated Breyer collectors!