General Robert E. Lee and Traveller (Standing-Walking and Prancer)- Hartland

Description

General Robert E. Lee and Traveler- All Original from 1956-1960- Both Horse Versions Included
Hartland Plastics, # 808.
General Lee was the earliest historical figure Hartland produced along with Davy Crockett in 1956- ahead of George Washington, Jim Bowie and George Custer. I grew up in Virginia and understand why Lee would be produced, but I'm surprised a Wisconsin company would pick Lee ahead of Washington  (a well-known Virginian like Lee and related by marriage) to produce. And this is a few  years before Marx started making Civil War playsets to tie into the centennial recognition of the Civil War in 1961.
This is a very nice original set with original figure, original sword, original hat,  2 original CSA saddles, and most importantly- both original horses. The Standing/Walking horse is easy enough to find but the head down, white Prancer is a difficult find in any condition, and this one is very, very nice. The Prancer would have been Lee's final horse as Hartland stopped Lee's original production in 1960. I think they could have sold a lot more - at least where I lived as a child- if they had kept producing him through the Civil War Centennial period. He was produced again as a Steven's re-release in 1993-94, but vintage originals and the Steven's recast are easily distinguished. The scarce white Prancer was never reproduced. The SW Traveller listed here is very nice as well, as are all these pieces. There are no broken parts, no separations and only very minor micro scratches. The only obvious fault is on Lee, and it's an unusual one for Hartland figures. . Between Lee's left arm and body is a piece of plastic flashing that was left from the casting. It could easily be removed, but I left it because I have never seen this on a Hartland figure before. In addition to the flashing, Lee's black strap across the front of his uniform is un-painted and I don't believe it ever was. It's easy enough to find figures with the paint rubbed off, but I don't think that's the case because his gold tunic buttons are all intact and the gold paint is often worn when you find Lee. I think Quality Control let this Lee get past them- still a very nice Lee. It's a scarce set with the Prancer and you also get the standard horse- each with it's own saddle.
Thanks for looking at my listing and if you've gotten this far- for reading this long-winded description.
I don't ship outside the USA and I only accept PayPal payment.