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Founded in 1941, Hartland Plastics
produced the 18 classic statues of star
Major League baseball players from 1959
to 1963 when it was then purchased by
the Revlon Cosmetics Company. Revlon
decided to stop the production of the
sports figures to solely concentrate on
cosmetic perfume cases and containers.
In 1987, Dallas attorney William Alley
secured the rights to produce a
commemorative set of the original 18
players. In 1988 celebrating the 25th
Anniversary of the original release,
the full series was issued.
After William Alley's mysterious disappearance while on a business trip in
1991, Bill Dunlop purchased the
Hartland name, and formed U.S.A.
Hartland Inc. USA Hartland was then
purchased by Steven Manufacturing later
that year, and moved the company to
Hermann, Missouri. In 1993 the Great
Missouri Flood completely destroyed the
Steven factory which was located off
the banks of the river. Hartland closed
its doors shortly thereafter.
In 2001 the company re-emerged as
Hartland Collectibles LLC. Granted
Major League Baseball and Cooperstown
Collection licenses, Hartland partnered
with Krause Publications, and the SCD
Authentic series was created. The
company manufactured several new
statues, another issue of the original
18 figures, promotional giveaways at
stadiums and events. After acquiring
the Hartland trademark and molds, the
new owners located a single wax casting
of this rare piece. Thought to be lost
forever "The Confrontation" became the
company's first release. The original
cost of the 2001 statue was $49.95, and
was also available in a limited cast
bronze version for $499.00.
Hartland Collectibles followed it up and produced a Bre Harris sculptor
series of cast bronze statues. Limited
to just 250 casts, each statue was
available for $399. plus shipping. The
six players included; Stan Musual,
Ernie Banks, Yogi Berra, Ozzie Smith,
Warren Span and Mickey Mantle. "The Bat
Boy" was also available for $99.
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