The Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Society
In the early 1990s the Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Society was started. To the dismay of the carousel horse affectionados, the society did not last long. But it lasted long enough to issue a Charter Member Exclusive figurine.
We are attempting here to document this society to the best of our knowledge. If you have any additional information or photographs, they would be greatly appreciated!
Welcome to the Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Society
The following is the text of the above letter for your convenience.
Congratulations on becoming a Charter member of the Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Society. We are very excited about the interest and enthusiasm of our collectors.
Included in this shipment is your society exclusive Charter Edition membership figurine. Also, your Society "Collector's Guide" to help you track your personal collection of Tobin Fraley American Carousel figurines.
In just a few short weeks you will be receiving your personalized membership card and information about how to order your exclusive "Members Only Charter Edition" Coney Island style horse.
We hope that you enjoy all of these benefits as well as the upcoming issues of our Collectors’ Society newsletter. Any time that we may be of assistance, please let us know. We are here to enhance your collecting enjoyment!
Sincerely,
Kandi Ruth Wieder
Coordinator for the
Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Society
The Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Guide
The Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Guide contains 1½ inch by 1½ inch photographs of the American Carousel Collection including the Introductory Edition through the Sixth Edition.
These sheets of Photographs are contained in a looseleaf notebook. It appears the intention was to add more sheets as more items were introduced. Apparently the Seventh Edition didn't make it in there.
This seems to be identical to
The Collectors’ Guide
To the
Tobin Fraley
American Carousel
Collection of Porcelain Miniatures
Issued since 1986 by Willitts Designs
Tobin Fraley with Carol Bialkowski Carousels, The Myth, the Magic, and the Memories
Willitts Designs Publishing, Petaluma, CA 1991
Exclusive Charter Edition Membership Figurine
Coney Island Style Carousel Horse
Coney Island Style Carousel Horse
Copyrighted: ©1991
Issued: 1992
Edition: Limited
Limit:
Height: 6½"
Issued: 1992
Edition: Limited
Limit:
Height: 6½"
The horse is white with a grey mane and tail. He is adorned with pink, lavender and yellow flowers. The chain comprising his reins drapes around the brass pole. The horse is porcelain and the stand is brass.
THe stand is unique because it is smaller than the usual double horseshoe and does not contain the six red gemstones. There is a coin embedded in one of the horseshoes stating: "Est. 1992, Tobin Fraley Collectors’ Society, Willits Designs, 1992."