Splendid Hartland Books
Since 1983
"The Best Source of Hartland Information™"
This year, 2008, is the 25th anniversary of the first publication of any books on Hartland. I am the sole, published author of books on Hartland, and have been the author of Hartland books longer than any single Hartland company has made horses. (Six different Hartland companies have made horses over the past seven decades! The story of the Hartland companies is told in Hartland Horses and Dogs.) This web site turned eight years old in July 2008, but my Hartland books (first editions) are 25 years old! This web site is not a replacement for the books. Nearly everything in the books is found only in the books, and not anywhere else.
What I Do, and What's Here:
- BOOKS
My two latest books published by Schiffer 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. The books are factual works of serious historical research, yet poetic and heartfelt. I have a master's degree in journalism. I am knowledgeable about real horses and "all" brands of model horses in addition to Hartland models. Growing up, I watched the TV shows that are the subject of Hartland rider sets.
Book #1: Hartland Horsemen - $33.50 ppd.
(by Gail Fitch, Schiffer Publishing, 1999) covers rider sets and the lone horses from rider-series molds, including Paola Groeber test colors. The account of Hartland company and product history in this book is only very brief because I saved the LONG version for Hartland Horses and Dogs.
Book #2: Hartland Horses & Dogs (includes the Hartland story) -- $33.50 ppd.
(by Gail Fitch, Schiffer Publishing, 2000) covers the breed series horses, and has the very detailed story of all Hartland companies to 2000. It’s the complete who, what, when, where, why, and how of Hartland, with entire chapters on “Hartland History” and “The Hartland Artistry.” Unless you’ve got this, there’s much you won’t know about *all* Hartland products. There’s a lot to appreciate about Hartland, and there are also things to watch out for. Get the details and the truth here! Nobody has researched Hartland like I have – I started in 1980. It’s a great story, and will always be close to my heart.
Both books for $65
- MAGAZINE
I publish Model Equestrian, begun in 2000, for news and "fun" of collecting.
- WEB SITE CONTENTS
Collecting News & Community -- some is here, 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."
- eBay SALES of my BOOKS & (occasionally) MODELS (Hartland and horse models):
My eBay I.D. is hartland_guru.
Due to a death in my friend's family, we are also selling an extensive collection of Hummels.
- JOIN MY LIST
I announce 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 25 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 Horsemen, and (2) Hartland Horses and Dogs, which includes the story of Hartland. For more information, see www.hartlandhorsemen.com.
John Henry, Marguerite Henry, and Marney Walerius Honored in
Fall 2007 Model Equestrian Magazine
Surprise a friend with the gift of the Fall 2007 issue of
Model Equestrian: Horse Collecting and Hartland News!
It is a fun source of news and history on horse collecting, Hartland collecting, and The Horse! This keepsake issue includes tributes to John Henry (2 pages), Marguerite Henry (3 pages), and Marney Walerius (3 pages).
Never heard of them? Want to know how many 1994 Hartland Chief Thunderbird sets were made? See custom Hartland famous jockey sets and western characters? Find out about previously unknown Steven Hartland models going on sale soon by a private individual?
This is all new and original material by me and by individuals and institutions whose submissions I selected or solicited. This publication is 8.5” x 11”, saddle-stapled, and 28 pages (26+ pages of articles, 1+ page of ads). It took five weeks to write, edit, and design. It was published November 15, 2007.
Price: $6.50 postpaid.
Gail Fitch, 1733 N. Cambridge Ave., #109, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Check or PayPal (gfitch@tds.net)
Special Offer: Get Fall 2007 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
12 inch
Hartland Mary -
Rare, Reverse Color Scheme
This vintage 12” tall blue & white Mary / Madonna statue by Hartland Plastics has a rare color scheme among Hartland Marys: Her gown is blue and her cloak is white! It's the reverse of the usual color scheme.
She's 45 years old and MINT condition, old store stock from Milwaukee, with her original box. She has one factory flaw: a tiny spot of stray, gold paint near her right cuff.
Her pink lips and all other colors are bright because she hasn't been out and around.
Mary #2
Price: $29 plus $6 shipping
13 inch Mary Statue with Music Box - RARE Hartland - Plays Lullaby
Besides being a beautiful statue, this Mary has a music box in the bottom of it that plays “Ave Maria.” The music box does not play reliably, but it does play. The price takes this into account.
This vintage, 12 ¾ inch Hartland Mary is a fine, old and rare item in new condition! She’s 45+ years old, old store stock from Milwaukee, in MINT condition, and comes with the original wrapping tissue and box, which is in fine condition. The painted details include blue eyes and pink lips and cheeks.
Mary #1B
Price: $30 plus $8 shipping
