Prepare to be amazed by Jonathan's extraordinary journey with My Little Pony, a story that will leave you in awe of the power of childhood memories.
A Lifelong Love Affair
Jonathan's adventure began in 1991 when he received his first pony, a gift from his father. Little did he know, this would spark a lifelong passion and an incredible collection. Over the decades, he amassed hundreds of rare figures, each a piece of his personal history and a testament to the impact of nostalgia.
Beyond Toys: A Living Archive
At first, it might seem like a playful display, but Jonathan's collection is a serious endeavor. It's a carefully curated archive, preserving not just toys, but the memories and emotions tied to them. Each pony stands as a symbol of identity and the quiet influence of nostalgia on our lives.
The Evolution of a Collection
Jonathan's relationship with My Little Pony started in his early years and grew into an impressive collection. That first pony, Hopscotch, a mare, stayed with him for decades, igniting a passion that would shape his adulthood. It wasn't until his twenties that he discovered the global collectors' community and realized the true value of his childhood companions.
By the time he turned eighteen, Jonathan had already crafted a custom display cabinet, now safely housed in his parents' home. Today, his collection boasts several hundred ponies, each meticulously categorized and preserved, a true labor of love.
Generations of Ponies
The collection spans different eras, starting with Generation 1, launched in the early 1980s. This era introduced My Pretty Pony and the iconic "Original 6," featuring flat feet and metal rings in their tails for stability. Generation 2, with its slimmer, elongated look, arrived in the 1990s but struggled commercially and faded by the early 2000s.
The brand's revival came with Generation 4, thanks to animator Lauren Faust. This era reshaped My Little Pony's cultural impact, attracting adult fans and giving birth to the global "Bronies" community. Jonathan's collection showcases a diverse range, including sea ponies, unicorns, pegasi, and even magnetic bath-time ponies designed to float.
The Challenges of Preservation
Collectors face unique challenges when it comes to preserving their ponies. "Pony Cancer" is a term used to describe brown spots caused by rust or mold around the internal metal rings, often due to water exposure. Another issue is the pink discoloration that occurs on white or yellow ponies due to chemical reactions in the plastic.
As a teenager, Jonathan experimented with restoration methods, even boiling ponies to kill mold. Today, he uses hydrogen peroxide treatments to clean carefully while preserving the facial details and symbols. Original ponies also retain a sweet scent, a sensory reminder of their manufacturing era.
The Value of Accessories
The value of a pony can be significantly influenced by its accessories. A pony with its original saddle or a key from the Secret Surprise series can be worth much more than the same figure without them. Even certain bootlegs, like Israeli variants made from original molds with altered faces, have become collectible over time.
Some ponies reach surprising prices, with rare figures from Greece, like seated ponies with candle or ladybug symbols, selling for 4,000 to 5,000 shekels. Ponies produced in Argentina, Colombia, or France are also highly sought after by collectors.
A Global Community
Jonathan's journey as a collector has been an international affair. As a teenager, he bought ponies through international forums, using creative methods like hiding dollar bills inside Britney Spears posters and mailing them overseas. Today, the community is a global support network. During times of conflict, Jonathan, living near the Gaza border, received messages and videos of support from collectors worldwide. He, in turn, uses his platform to educate the community about the realities of life in Israel.
For more insights into Jonathan's world and the stories of other collectors, check out the People and Collectors podcast. The full interview is available with English subtitles and in 50 other languages, offering a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of collectors.
