New test model!

 Well, it's May, everyone! And you know what that means - another test model from the Breyer archive, fresh for the purchasing! Check this guy out: 

From the website: 

This unique mule was created in the process of developing our portrait model of Dressage superstar Buckeye! The Saddle Mule (also known as “Brown Sunshine,” #484) was sculpted by Bonnie Shields and was first released in 1996. This test run model is painted as a leopard/near-leopard appaloosa with speckling, dynamic shading, and of course, lots of spots! Appaloosa patterns in mules are often “skewed” and appear a bit different than the appaloosa patterns found in horses – they are typically very loud with larger spots.

Interesting! Here's the Buckeye that found its way to production: 

 

Well, there's definitely a clear, stark difference between the two. But well...his price tag is $1350. Price jump much? I mean, sheesh. This isn't even that popular of a mold. Yes, I know the Breyerfest auction models sell for more, but those tend to be far more detailed, or come with truly one-of-a-kind mane and/or tail customizations. This test model doesn't look too dissimilar from something we could get as a regular run, or collector club special run. 

Oh well - I'm sure Breyer can find at least one person to spend that much money on this guy. Good luck to everyone entering!