Vintage molds are my love when it comes to collecting model horses. And the Family Arabian Mare (FAM) is one of Breyer's matriarchs in their lineup of models.
First released in glossy grey Appaloosa as "Speck" in 1960, early pieces have an extensive bald face reaching well down the sides of the face and grey or charcoal legs. The earliest pieces also have a large white blanket that extends well up the body and is the hardest version to find. The second version has a white belly band, and the third is a small blanket on the hindquarters.
I have an early belly band version (left) and a later matte small blanket version in my collection.
That belly band extends onto her shoulders on the near side.
The glossy version's bald face is extensive with a hint of pink on her nose and ears, whereas the matte has a smaller blaze with a very pink nose and ears.
Look at the difference in the spots! I love the big ones and actively seek models like that.
The matte FAM is also significantly taller than the older model.
The hoof bottoms are interesting as they both appear to be made from grey plastic.
The belly band mare's hooves.
The matte version's hooves. It is from 1968-1971 according to Liz Cory, its original owner. That's too early for the chalky era. Breyer has reground flawed models and used colored plastic in the past to economize. Perhaps that's the story behind these gals?
No USA stamp on the belly band FAM
while the matte FAM has a USA stamp, confirming its later date of production.
Both are in great shape considering their age, and while the Family Arabian Mare is not one of my favorite vintage molds, I do like them in this color and am pleased to have them as part of my collection.
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