Breyer History
Breyer Animal Creations® began as the Breyer Molding Company, a Chicago-based plastics manufacturer. Its first model horse, the # 57 Western Horse, made its appearance in 1950. It was a special order for the F.W. Woolworth Company, made to adorn a mantelpiece clock. Breyer was flooded with requests from people who wanted to know if they could purchase just the horse! With that first horse, the Breyer Molding Company had changed the focus of its business forever!
Reeves International, Inc is a New Jersey corporation, founded by Swiss entrepreneur Werner J. Fleischmann in 1946. Reeves entered the toy industry as the U.S. distributor of fine European toys and collectibles to the “carriage trade” - that is, toy specialty stores and fine department stores. Top brands such as Stieff, Corgi and Britains were staples of the Reeves International portfolio.
Through these fine brands, Reeves earned an outstanding reputation for sales and distribution. From 1946 through the 1970s, Reeves became one of the nation’s top distributors, operating from its showroom in New York City with a nationwide sales force. In 1998, Anthony Fleischmann purchased Reeves International, Inc. outright from his father Werner Fleischmann.
Today, Reeves International is more focused than ever on its signature brand, Breyer Horses. For generations, Breyer has consistently maintained its position as the premiere brand of horse models and collectibles, with an unmatched commitment to authenticity, quality and realism, continuing a legacy that began in 1950 and is just as relevant today. Breyer is committed to fulfilling its promise to fans of horses everywhere: with Breyer, you truly have a horse of your very own.
The #57 Western Horse, Breyer’s first model.
1950 special order for the F.W. Woolworth Company.