Nativity Stables
Markings Code: (A)=Diamond I, (B)=Hartland Molded, Hartland Wisc., (C)= Hartland Plastics Inc, Hartland Wisc., (NM)= Not Marked
Nativity Stables:
Most Nativity sets included a Gloria Angel, plus Hartland sold them individually at least for a period of time. This page shows most of the variations I know about at this time.
 
Nativity Set Stable:
The first generation of Hartland Nativity sets lacked any form of stable. Likewise, the later All White (unpainted) sets were sold without a stable. We are not sure, yet, if any of the Pastel Sets were shipped with a stable.
Die-Cut cardboard back,
printed on both sides.
The Hartland designers and artisans came up with a wonderfully creative solution for their Nativity sets. To keep the bulk down, they produced a plastic stable front, and then fit it with a folding cardboard stable back. The color of the rocks and shingles varied some over the years from white, gray, tan, and even some with an olive tint. The hay hanging from the beams varies a bit from set to set or year to year. Hartland included a small peg at the top of the gable roof to hold the Gloria Angel.

Opened Decorated Box (no date)
12" x 19" x 4"
Colorful Large Nativity Box:
When Hartland created the stable and back, they also developed a nice storage box. The stable and cardboard back could be stored in the bottom of the box, with an overlaying divider/liner which held the remaining figures. Those figures were normally wrapped in tissue paper, as seen above.
 
235-ST- Individual Stable Set:
As documented on the (1955) Dealer Jobber Sheets, the Stable and other smaller elements were sold individually. This set was purchased by Sande Schneider and later sold to a collector who needed a stable. The generic corrugated cardboard box was marked with 235-ST, and closed with Hartland gummed tape.


235-P- 7- Seven Piece Nativity Set:
As documented on the (1955) Dealer Jobber Sheets, Hartland sold smaller sets which included the stable. This one includes a large Gloria Angel, three pieces to the Holy Family, two sheep, and the stable. (The stable front and stable back are considered one piece) This combination is not listed on the Dealer Jobber Sheet, however a 235-P-9 piece set is listed including a bull and donkey added to the configuration above. Notice the rocks and shingles on this set are quite a bit darker than the same elements on other fronts.
  
Small Light Bulb Hole
Large Light Bulb Hole
The two sets, 235-ST and 235-P-7, shown above both have the very small light bulb hole as seen in the photo on the left. The rest of the cardboard backs I have seen have a much larger light bulb hole as seen on the right. My Grandmother had some older strings of Christmas lights that were quite a bit smaller than the standard sized lights that became popular in the '60s.
Hartland Nativity sets did not come with a light or cord. During the Christmas season, the light and cord set can be purchased at most department stores for around $2.
  

Text & Photographs Copyright Mike Jackson 1998-2008
This page last modified Friday, October 19, 2007