Splendid Hartland Books
Since 1983
"The Best Source of Hartland Information™"
-- Former owner of Hartland
Last year, 2008, was the 25th anniversary of the publication of the earliest Hartland books. I am the only, published author on Hartland, and have been creating books longer than any one Hartland company has made horses. (The detailed story of four Hartland companies since the 1940s is told in Hartland Horses and Dogs.) It's been a big part of "what I do" for about half of my life. People say I'm dedicated.
Since July 2000, I've also been writing about Hartland online, but what's here and what's in the books are two entirely different things! This web site serves as an introduction to the books!
What I Do, and What's Here:
- BOOKS
The two latest Hartland books (from Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.), include history, description, identification, values, interviews with 1940s-1950s and later Hartland owners and executives (whom I located from scratch), company archive photos, and over 1,000 large and gorgeous color photos of the models.
The books are factual works of serious historical research, yet easy and fun to read, poetic and heartfelt. I'm a professional researcher and writer, and my interest in Hartland models grew out of my love of horses and model horses of all brands. I also enjoyed the TV shows that inspired the Hartland rider sets.
The latest prices (April 8, 2009) are:
Book #1: Hartland Horsemen - $25 + $3.50 shipping = $28.50
Horse-and-rider and western sets in the likeness of TV stars and historical heroes. Includes Paola Groeber test colors of horses from rider-series molds. Includes a very brief account of Hartland company and product history; the LONG version is in Book #2.
Book #2: Hartland Horses & Dogs -- $25+ $3.50 shipping = $28.50
The beautiful breed series horses, and model dogs. Includes the very detailed story of all Hartland companies, products, and personnel to 2000, based on research I began in 1980. It's a great story, and it's true.
Both books for $50 + $5 shipping = $55
by check, money order, or PayPal.
- MAGAZINE
I publish Model Equestrian, begun in 2000, for news and "fun" of collecting.
- WEB SITE CONTENTS
Collecting News -- some is online, but most is in print publications!
Models for Sale -- by others (and my doubles)
- COMMISSION SALES
I am an author, not a "sales person," but because of my contacts, reputation, and extensive knowledge of Hartland models, I have sometimes brokered sales, mainly for mint-in-box 1950s-1960s rider sets, Lady Jewel and Jade horses, and other high-end Hartland models. Click "Models for Sale."
- On eBay, I sell my Hartland books (and occasionally, Hartland and other horse models):
My eBay I.D. is hartland_guru.
Due to a death in my friend's family, we have hundreds of Hummels for sale.
- JOIN MY LIST
I send announcements of new publications or models for sale (on commission or mine) a few times per year.
To join, email gfitch@tds.net
- ADVICE
I can give referrals on many matters related to Hartland.
This web site's eighth birthday was in July 2008.
My Hartland books (first editions) are 26 years old!
A Summary of Hartland
Six different companies have made Hartland horses over a period of seven decades. The original company, Hartland Plastics, Inc., of Hartland, Wisconsin, was noteworthy for its award-winning sculptors and its innovative mold-making process. In the late 1940s, Hartland made the first model horses: clock horses whose design was copied by Breyer.
In the 1950s, Hartland began dozens of horse-and-rider sets in the likeness of TV western heroes, and in the 1960s, it began making horse families and individual horses of numerous breeds. Later companies have issued some of the horse models in additional colors, but few of the rider sets.
For 25 years, books by Gail Fitch have documented Hartland horses, horse-and-rider sets, and Hartland company history. The latest books, from Schiffer Publishing, are (1) Hartland Horses and Dogs, which includes the story of Hartland, and (2) Hartland Horsemen.
The December 2008 issue of MODEL EQUESTRIAN: Horse Collecting & Hartland News is ready!
It is 32 pages with 56 photos, and includes coverage of model horse events in 2008, and horse-related books, visual arts, history, travel, and gifts -- with emphasis on model horses of many brands and where to get them.
Price: $6.50 postpaid.
Gail Fitch, 1733 N. Cambridge Ave., #109, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Check or PayPal (gfitch AT tds.net)
Special Offer: Get December 2008 AND *either* Hartland book for $34.00 postpaid
Models for sale:
Check eBay Auctions By hartland_guru for the sale of my doubles on Hartland Horses,
Religious Statues (MIB), Riders, or... Buy Directly:
Introduction to Hartland's Religious Statues
Hartland's religious statues were discontinued more than 40 years ago, according to Hartland Horses and Dogs, by Gail Fitch from Schiffer Publishing (2000). Hartland’s religious articles were made in the U.S.A. with quality materials and workmanship. The artistry was superb. The company sculptor won awards from the National Sculpture Society. They are suited for decorative or devotional purposes. Give a quality gift from Christmas (or Easter) Past!
Kneeling, Praying St. Joseph - Hartland Nativity 1950s
This 50-year-old, plastic Joseph statue is 4.25 inches tall was made for a Hartland Plastics nativity set. Joseph doesn't get much attention in the Christmas story, but he was important.
These days, burying a statue of Joseph in your front yard is supposed to help the sale of the home, but it must be done correctly!
Joseph's brown attire actually looks a little lighter than in the picture; it is not dark brown or metallic brown, so is a harder-to-find color for him. His white areas are painted creamy white.
He's sold as is with some slight overspray of his brown attire, and some tiny rubs and marks acquired over time.There are no structural problems.
Joseph
Price: $5.00 plus $4.25 shipping
I also have some kneeling Mary statues made for Hartland nativity sets.
