There's an interesting thread going on over at Model Horse Blab about "what is your holiest grail?"  Every Breyer collector has a model that got away, one that was priced too high to afford, or one that was exceptionally rare.  One of the answers cropping up often in that thread is "Merlin," which I had never heard of.

I did some research and found that Merlin was based on the American Saddlebred Stallion mold, which was created by Kathleen Moody in 2000.  This is a very dramatic mold, with a posture showing a lot of flexion, and Moody's classic highly sculpted mane and tail.  The mold itself practically counts as a fantasy model, which I think is part of what makes Merlin such a successful variation.

Before I get ahead of myself, we have to clarify our names.  Breyer also put out a plush horse named Merlin, and there are several other models (not official Breyers - either individually sculpted or modified) which have been named "Merlin."  I also found a mention of a dappled horse which was a judge's test run named "Merlin," but that's also not what we're looking for.

Take the American Saddlebred Stallion, add scales, make his hooves cloven, add wings, and give him an iridescent purple and blue paint job, and there's Merlin!  This is one of the most unusual Breyer special editions I have ever seen.  

I'm particularly struck by the way that the wings sweep forward, scooping around his shoulders.  Most models would go with the wings being swept back, or up, or back and up.  I always like to see artists push things a little farther, beyond the obvious choices.  The set of Merlin's wings definitely qualifies!  I'm also intrigued by the way the hooves were sculpted into cloven hooves, which is an interesting choice.  I have to say the cloven hooves look more "dragon-y," but what does that really mean?

Needless to say, most special models stick to a special coat color or paint job.  A few have been turned into pegasuses (pegasii?) with the addition of wings, or into unicorns by the addition of a horn.  I have never seen one so heavily changed.  "Striking" is definitely a term that applies here!

Only 26 Merlins were ever made.  They were a special prize model for the BreyerFest Raffle in 2005.  One Merlin was sold on eBay in 2007, with hot and heavy bidding until the last minute, when it finally sold for $6,000.  Six grand for a Breyer!  

It makes me wonder what the highest amount a Breyer has ever brought at auction. I did a bit of Googling and found that the "blue Arabian Stallion model" sold for $1,000.  (I'm not sure which model that would be - presumably an early Family Arabian Stallion?)  Another unnamed model was reportedly sold at a live auction for $3,000 in 2008.  Barring any other information or corrections, it looks like so far Merlin counts as the most expensive Breyer ever sold!

Merlin photograph copyright exceptionally lucky Livejournal user creepy_coyote