This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/2/2011
Hartland Plastics was way ahead of its time when it produced 8" figures honoring baseball's best from the 1960s. Featured subjects included current stars of the time (Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Ted Williams, Nellie Fox, Roger Maris, Eddie Mathews) and even a dose of nostalgia with the inclusion of Babe Ruth.
The toughest Hartland was that of Dick Groat. The company only produced around 5,000 of the Pirate infielder because of his 1960 NL MVP. Continued success didn't follow, so many of the Groat figurines went unsold. The second most-expensive figure is that of Rocky Colavito. According to one hobby source, there were twice as many Colavitos produced as Groats.
Many of the Hartlands have yellowed over time. This was due to the type of plastic used. While a pure white Hartland (mixed with virgin plastic) commands a premium, a yellowed version (most likely made with second generation plastic) is accepted. Another major point of contention is if the figure is able to stand or not.
Babe Ruth's called shot is captured on this Hartland statue. The Babe still stands although his bat is missing. EX/MT with minor paint loss on the left hand.
j0187