A Lucky Detour

School has been in session for six weeks, and today I felt I needed a bit of a break. My school work was all caught up as were things around the house, so I decided to go visit one of my favorite antique shops.

I didn't intend to, but I actually went the wrong way and past a shop I only rarely visit. (One of the roads has been renamed as it merges with the one I usually take, and I stayed on it instead of branching off. Just wasn't thinking!)

That shop, a vintage toy shop, usually has a good assortment of Breyers and this time was no exception. But there wasn't anything I had to have or needed, so I left it all behind for another collector to find.

I'd gone about ten miles out of my way when I'd missed my turn off, but it didn't take too long to get back on the right road and to the shop I'd intended to visit in the first place. I have had some really good finds there too.

 This piece of advertising caught my attention. Was that a Hagen Renaker Man o' War copy?

No, although it looks similar. It is an early Hartland? I keep thinking I have seen this piece before. I'll go through some of my books tomorrow. (Photo taken from Google Images.)

Then there was this - look at the label the seller has affixed to it.

 "Breyer Horse Pic"??

I even looked on the back of the picture for clues as to why the seller had it labeled a Breyer, but I found nothing.

I probably should have bought this HR elephant set. The seller had it listed at only $5, but I already have the adult and am not particularly interested in the baby.

The title of this book caught my eye - that and the cover illustration which looked familiar.

Wesley Dennis! One of my favorite illustrators from my childhood! The book came home with me to be added to my vintage horse book collection.

After paying for the book, I hopped in the car and began the drive back to town. Because there was a home football game (Purdue vs. Michigan) the traffic heading into town was pretty bad. I decided to swing around to a less direct route, and in doing so, had to drive by another vintage shop where I've had good luck in the past.

 Good thing I did - I hit the jackpot!

 A black point Proud Arabian Mare in very good condition! (For $20!)

 A 1964 Hartland ebony woodcut Tennessee Walking Horse! ($20!)

 With the original footpads still intact!

And a 1980 JAH unpainted Indian Pony - my favorite mold! ($20!)

Considering that I had not even planned to stop at this shop, I was feeling very grateful for that football traffic that had caused me to detour!

There were several other Breyers in that last stop that I left behind, including an unpainted Clydesdale Mare, also from the 1980 JAH special. I may go back and get her.

Who'd have thought that football traffic would lead me to some really good finds??