Collectability Classes are my favorites in the show! This is a great opportunity to show off our treasures, see models we've never seen before, and even learn a little Breyer history! Collectability classes are where you show off your rarest or most valuable models, like Eleda's cherished Copenhagen Running Mare, shown here. Collectability is judged on:
Scarcity - How many were made? It may be a limited edition or perhaps a one-of-a-kind factory oddity. Or, it could be a model so old that few exist in good condition these days.
Desirability - Models on more sought-after molds usually place higher in Collectability, when all else is equal. We're basically looking at value, so a one-of-one hundred Pacer may not place as high as a one-of-one hundred Silver mold. Attractive coloring can also come into play as part of desirability, and can differentiate two of the same release.
Condition - Obviously, the better the model's condition is, the more likely he is to do well. However, in Collectability there is more leeway given on condition, depending on the other two factors above. A pretty, one-of-a-kind factory escapee Proud Arabian Stallion from the 1960s, for example, even with a chipped ear, could easily beat a mint condition one of 250 model on the same mold, because collectors would pay a higher price for the one-of-a-kind if it went up for sale.
Vintage Club Gold Charm Family Stallion with blue ribbon sticker, COA and box. He'd be a good entry for the Club Models Collectability Class.
How Do I Show in Collectability?
Collectability is shown naked - No tack is allowed unless it was part of the original release.
You need to Include a small card or paper that describes what makes this model special: Were only a small number made, is it a hard-to-find complete set, a variation, a test run, etc? Also site its source and year made, if known - Was it a Regular Run, a Special Run, a "factory mistake?"
Collectability entry at The Maine Event in 2018. This shows a complete, hard-to-find set of Alex and The Black Stallion with racing tack, rider, and even its original box, all in near Mint condition. Note the well-written documentation card.
[Candy, cards, and other objects were actually used as "ribbons" at that show, where everyone participated in judging. This set received two first place and three second place awards.]
Q & A from exhibitors:
Q: What Collectability class should Web Specials go into?
A: Since most Web Specials require you to be a club member to purchase them, they will go into #15: Connoisseur and Club Models
Q. What Collectability class should JAH Magazine mail-order SRs go into?
A. Since they were made in comparable paint quality and numbers to other single-source SRs, they'll go into #14: Single Source SRs
Q. Can I show multiple models as a single entry if they're a set?
A. Only if the models were originally sold as one unit (Mustang Family Gift Set, etc.) then they can be shown as a single entry. One of them needs to be designated as model to which points will be assigned if the entry wins. That model needs to wear a foot tag and no other models should wear foot tags in that entry. All models need to be positioned so that the judge can examine each of them from both sides. Packaging and original accessories that were sold with them can help the entry, also.