Maya Ellison
Hartland Plastics, Inc. of Hartland, Wisconsin, was in business from 1941 to 1978 and was the first company to manufacture licensed sports figures. The company is most famous for its high-quality model horses, horse-and-rider sets, and ballplayer figurines, which were produced using a unique technical process that allowed for a finer level of sculpted detail. The first series, designated as the 900 Series, was originally produced in 1958 using mold-injected acetate plastic resin and hand-painted with acetate-based paint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Manufacturing technique | Mold-injected acetate plastic resin |
| Painting technique | Hand-painted using acetate-based paint |
| Product range | Sports figurines, model horses, horse-and-rider sets, religious statues, plaques, western-themed statues, military figures, famous TV cowboy and gunfighter characters, Indians, and ballplayer figurines |
| Date of operation | 1941-1978 |
| Figurine size | 6-9 inches |
| Figurine value | Varies based on condition, authenticity, and rarity; most complete Hartland figures listed on eBay in the $100 to $250 range but can go much higher |
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What You'll Learn
- Hartland Plastics Inc. was founded in 1941 in Hartland, Wisconsin
- The company produced plastic figurines of baseball players, cowboys, and horses
- The figurines were hand-painted using acetate-based paint
- Hartland Plastics ceased operations in 1978, but the brand continued under different ownership
- The original Hartland figurines are now valuable collectibles
Hartland Plastics Inc. was founded in 1941 in Hartland, Wisconsin
Hartland Plastics' first product was a statue titled "Killroy was Here," produced in 1941. Soon after, they began creating religious-themed statues, plaques, and other items, which they continued to produce into the 1960s. In the early 1950s, the company primarily manufactured point-of-purchase advertising premiums for the brewing industry, its biggest customer. They also produced a range of other products, such as boat seats for Sears-Roebuck, display cases for Timex, and front grilles for American Motors.
In 1951, Hartland Plastics expanded into Western-themed figures, including horses, livestock, and horse-and-rider sets, which became widely available in stores in 1953. These Western figures were often based on characters from television Westerns, such as Marshal Matt Dillon from "Gunsmoke," Wyatt Earp, and Lucas McCain from "The Rifleman." The figurines were finely sculpted to resemble the actual TV actors and included removable accessories like hats, guns, and saddles.
Hartland Plastics also ventured into sports figurines, becoming the first company to manufacture licensed sports figures. Their first series, the 900 Series, was produced in 1958 using mold-injected acetate plastic resin and hand-painted with acetate-based paint. They created statues of baseball players, NFL football players, and sports figures in their classic style.
The company changed hands several times, and in 1963, it was sold to Revlon Cosmetics, who discontinued statue production. Despite ceasing operations in 1978, the Hartland brand was revived in 1987 by Dallas attorney William "Bill" Alley, who acquired the rights and reissued commemorative editions of the original statues. The company continued to produce new limited-edition baseball statues, and in 1990, they released seven new figurines.
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The company produced plastic figurines of baseball players, cowboys, and horses
Hartland Plastics, Inc. was based in Hartland, Wisconsin, and was in business from 1941 until 1978. The company produced plastic figurines of baseball players, cowboys, and horses, as well as military figures and Indians. These figurines were highly detailed and are now collectible items.
In 1952, Hartland moved into western-themed statues, including horses, livestock, and horse-and-rider sets. The first horse statue, the Large Western Champ, was designed to sit on top of a clock, with a cowboy rider made to sit on top. The western line continued into the early 1960s, with licensed characters from TV shows and historical figures.
In 1958, Hartland introduced its iconic baseball player line, which featured figurines of baseball players from various teams. The first five player statues released were Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth. These figurines were sold at baseball stadiums and select retailers for $1.98 each. In 1959, Hartland expanded its sports offerings with a series of NFL football player statues, featuring the same styling and modelling as their baseball statues.
In addition to their sports and western-themed figurines, Hartland also produced a range of religious plastic statues, plaques, and other items, which continued into the 1960s.
After the company ceased operations in 1978, the rights to the brand were acquired by Dallas attorney William "Bill" Alley in 1987. He reissued the original 18 statues as commemorative editions, including the generic "Batboy" and "Minor Leaguer" statues. These reproductions featured a 25th Anniversary stamp to differentiate them from the originals.
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The figurines were hand-painted using acetate-based paint
The Hartland Plastics company, founded in 1941 in Hartland, Wisconsin, was the first company to manufacture licensed sports figures. The company produced a range of plastic products, including statues, figurines, and other items for personal and business use.
The use of acetate-based paint was a deliberate choice by Hartland Plastics. Acetate, a synthetic material, was a common type of plastic resin used during the time period when these figurines were produced. By using an acetate base for both the figurines and the paint, Hartland Plastics ensured compatibility and a seamless finish. The paint was applied by hand, allowing for precise control and attention to detail.
The hand-painting process contributed significantly to the overall value and desirability of the Hartland figurines. The paint added a layer of craftsmanship and artistry to the already intricate sculpting. This combination of sculpting and painting techniques resulted in figurines that were not only collectible but also aesthetically pleasing. The paint enhanced the visual appeal of the figurines, making them attractive display pieces for collectors.
Today, these vintage Hartland figurines are highly sought-after collectibles. Their rich history, intricate details, and unique production techniques, including the hand-painting process, have contributed to their enduring popularity among sports memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors of vintage toys and figurines. The use of acetate-based paint, though perhaps standard at the time, has now become a distinctive feature of these classic figurines, setting them apart from more modern productions.
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Hartland Plastics ceased operations in 1978, but the brand continued under different ownership
Hartland Plastics, founded in 1941 in Hartland, Wisconsin, was the first company to manufacture licensed sports figures and plastic toys. The company produced a variety of products, including statues, plaques, and other plastic items for personal and business use. In the 1950s, Hartland expanded its offerings to include western-themed statues, such as horses, livestock, and horse-and-rider sets, as well as licensed characters from popular Western movies and TV shows. The company's first horse statue, the "Large Western Champ," was designed to sit atop a clock, and it was followed by a range of intricately sculpted horse breeds and generic riders.
In 1958, Hartland introduced its iconic baseball player line, which included statues of top players such as Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, Mickey Mantle, and Babe Ruth. These statues were hand-painted using acetate-based paint, resulting in true-to-life likenesses. In 1959, the company also released a short-lived series of NFL football player statues, which were styled similarly to their baseball statues.
However, in 1963, Hartland was sold to Revlon Cosmetics, which discontinued statue production in favour of makeup products. The Stevens Manufacturing Company of Missouri acquired Hartland's inventory and original moulds in 1976, but attempts to revive the company were unsuccessful, and Hartland Plastics ceased operations in 1978.
Despite this setback, the Hartland brand lived on. In 1987, Dallas attorney William "Bill" Alley discovered Hartland baseball statues at a sports card show and was captivated by them. He acquired the rights to the brand and reissued the original 18 statues, including the "'Batboy' and 'Minor Leaguer,' as commemorative editions. These vintage-style statues proved popular among collectors, and Alley's company thrived, generating over $1 million in annual sales.
In 1990, Hartland released seven new figurines, including "The Confrontation," which featured an umpire and manager arguing. These figures were packaged in green boxes made of thick cardboard stock and included paintings of the players. After William Alley's disappearance, the company changed hands again, this time being sold to Bill Dunlap, a longtime collector of Hartland figurines. Dunlap renamed the company Hartland USA in 1992, continuing the legacy of the beloved brand.
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The original Hartland figurines are now valuable collectibles
Hartland figurines have a rich history among sports memorabilia collectors. The company was founded in 1941 in Hartland, Wisconsin, and was the first to manufacture licensed sports figures. The figurines were made using mould-injected acetate plastic resin and were then hand-painted using acetate-based paint. The result was true-to-life likenesses that set the standard for all manufactured sports figures.
The company's first statue, "Killroy was Here", was produced in 1941 and was soon followed by a line of religious-themed statues, including plaques and other items, which continued into the 1960s. In 1952, Hartland moved into western-themed statues, including horses, livestock, and horse-and-rider sets, which became widely available in stores in 1953. The company offered about three dozen horse and rider combinations, most of which were based on characters from television Westerns.
Hartland figurines quickly became popular and earned a legion of fans. The company's sports figurines, in particular, were well-known, with a special emphasis on baseball. In 1959, Hartland produced a series of NFL football player statues, which featured the same styling and modelling as their baseball statues.
Despite their popularity, Hartland figurines had their ups and downs. In 1963, the company was sold to Revlon Cosmetics, which shut down production on all statues to focus on producing makeup products. The original Hartland Plastics company officially ceased operations in 1978. However, the brand was revived in 1987 by attorney William "Bill" Alley, who acquired the rights and reissued the original 18 statues as commemorative editions. The re-released figurines were a hit, and Alley's company generated over $1 million in annual sales.
Today, original Hartland figurines are valuable collectibles, with prices varying based on condition and authenticity. For example, the Roy Rogers and Trigger set in good condition with all accessories can sell for about $100 to $150 on eBay, while a mint-condition Col. Ranald Mackenzie ("Mackenzie's Raiders") figurine can be valued at up to $2,500. The original boxes and tags are also hard to find and can be worth up to $200 or more.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hartland plastic figurines are painted. The first series, designated as the 900 Series, was originally produced in 1958 using mold-injected acetate plastic resin and hand-painted using acetate-based paint.
Hartland plastic figurines were first produced in 1958. The company Hartland Plastics, Inc. of Hartland, Wisconsin, USA was in business from 1941 onwards and produced plastic figures of baseball players, military figures, and cowboys.
Hartland Plastics is most famous for its high-quality model horses, horse-and-rider sets, and ballplayer figurines. The company offered about three dozen horse and rider combinations, most of which were based on characters from television Westerns.
Hartland plastic figurines can be quite valuable to collectors, with prices ranging from $100 to $250 on eBay for most complete figures. The value varies based on condition and authenticity, with some figures and accessories commanding higher prices.
Yes, Hartland Plastics manufactured a variety of products for consumer and industrial use. They produced plastic toys, statues, plaques, and other items with religious themes. They also created western-themed statues, including horses, livestock, and horse-and-rider sets.
