Nativity Figure Variations
Markings Code: (A)=Diamond I, (B)=Hartland Molded, Hartland Wisc., (C)= Hartland Plastics Inc, Hartland Wisc., (NM)= Not Marked
Variations:
Besides the obvious differences in some of the major sets, there seems to be an almost unlimited supply of minor variants.
 
Joseph Variations:
On the main Nativity Sets page, I divided the large sets into five main variations as shown above. I am sure there are some minor variations for figures in those sets, but the group above show the Joseph figures as they came with my sets. The plastic color on the Soft set Joseph is dishwater gray. The white under robe on the remaining group above is white plastic showing through. The the robe on the Standard set is red, followed by chocolate brown, darken gold or dark metallic copper, and of course, white. The hair on the middle three is light brown, while the hair on the Soft set is darker dishwater gray or taupe. The middle three figures have gold paint on the collar and the edge of the sleeve. The Soft color Joseph and Mary figures lack the gold trim.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
The Joseph figures above probably came with Hartland's smaller sets. #2 came to me in a boxed three piece set, marked 235-P. #1 was not boxed, but came to me with a Mary and Infant, painted in lighter colors than #2. #3 and #4 came to me in unboxed three piece sets. #5 was purchased on eBay with an incomplete Standard Color Nativity set. I was excited about getting the piece originally because of the dark hair. At the time, I was trying to "build" one of the Soft Color sets and needed a soft color Joseph. As Sande Schneider pointed out, the figure's hair is too dark, plus it has gold painted trim. His light robe is light tan plastic. The white gown on #3 is white paint, painted over light creme plastic. #4 has a pearlized white paited finish. I have an identical figure that came with a 7 Piece Nativity Set (the cardboard stable back has a small light bulb hole.
Sande Schneider's "Golden" Josephs:
There are quite a bit of similarities between these two figures and Joseph #2 above. I don't own one quite as gold as these, so I can't photograph it here, nor study them. While these may be true variations, I would at least suggest the possibility the tannish color has simply lost some of its red pigment as seen on some Lone Ranger scarves.
Mold VariationsS:
I am not sure how important it is here, but when inspecting the undersides of the ten Joseph figures above, I could identify at least three different molds used for the figure.
 
Shepherd with Horn Variations:
The standing Shepherds above show the five major variations. Similar to the Joseph figure, the Soft Shepherd was molded in dishwater gray plastic. The back of cape on the Standard figure is muted, even though the inside is bright red. The Bright and Pastel figures are very similar, except for the inside of the cape, as seen above. Both have light brown hair.
 
Additional Variations

Shepherds

Baby Jesus Variations
This group came from two different sets with the dark hair on several of the sets. For all practical purposes, they are the same, but the laces on the two figures on the right are much darker. Of course, they made other variations for other sets. There seems to be three variations of the crib and baby Jesus. The one on the left has unpainted plastic on the clothing, while the one in the center has white painted clothing. The one on the right is unpainted on the face, arms, and clothing.
Additionally, a few solid Jesus figures are known to exist, as seen on the right. Most I have seen are on like the one on the left, and then glued into the manger. Since most are permanently attached, it is often difficult to tell.
Standing Wise Man:
The figure on the right lacks the gold trim along the bottom of his light blue gown. I have five or six other figures with the similar paint scheme, however all of them have the gold line. More than likely, the one on the right was a factory oversight and not a true production variation. If others have similar ones, please let me know.
 
Parkland Plastics Set



Marty Ohman supplied this discovery. This five piece nativity set is marked with the traditional Diamond I brand, along with Parkland Products. I've seen that name in conjunction with the larger outdoor lawn statues, but this is the first time on a small figure.
After inspecting a few of my Joseph figures, I see that I own at least one or two that lack the Diamond I brand. Marty's photo also illustrates how the Christ Child was molded. Most are glued into the manger. I also own one that is not glued in.
  

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