Mike Jackson’s Hartland Photos:
Major Seth Adams / Ward Bond

Text & Photographs Copyright Mike Jackson 1998-2008

Major Seth Adams (Ward Bond):#824
This set was introduced in early 1958 and remained in the brochures until 1961. With several years of production, it is not in the “rare” grouping, however finding an original whip is a rare occasion! This set was introduced at a time when Hartland had already created their newer Walking style horse with the slender tail, and I am fairly certain all of his horses will have them. His horses are shared by some of the later Wyatt Earp sets, both with white stocking and blaze, plus black mane and tail.

This set has a couple of controversies surrounding it. First—the name. Ward Bond starred in the TV show “Wagon Train” and played Seth Adams. Many collectors use the names Ward Bond / Seth Adams interchangeably. The box uses Seth Adams and Wagon Train, however the tag does not mention Seth Adams at all—only “starring Ward Bond”. Second, for years collectors have put a rifle with this set, and switched saddles over to a rifle holed saddle. I am guilty of spreading part of that through this site! That is how I heard it was supposed to be from the first day I started re-collecting. Recently, I believe we have found that to be incorrect. For the main photos on this page, I have omitted the rifle and put him on the standard black saddle.

Major Seth Adams on Brown over White Walker:
As stated earlier, I am fairly certain Adams has two standard horses. This one is molded in white plastic and then the brown paint is applied over it. This process probably took longer than molding the horse in brown plastic and painting the white stockings and blaze. Several of the brown over white horses seem to have been switched over to the other style of painting about the same time, including horses for Buffalo Bill, Cheyenne, and Earp.

Major Seth Adams on White over Brown Walking Horse:
This would be Seth Adams’ second horse variation. The horse was molded in brown plastic and then the white stockings and blaze were painted over it. I think this saved production time, but I have no solid proof. This horse is also shared with later Wyatt Earp sets.
Unconfirmed Major Seth Adams (Ward Bond):#824
As stated earlier, I have never seen any sort of documentation showing Seth Adams with a rifle. Many collectors like to put one of the smaller Winchester style rifles in his left hand. It fits nicely! Likewise, many collectors put a black “rifle holed” saddle with this set when they include the rifle. Quite a few veteran collectors have confirmed getting this set with the plain saddle and without the rifle when they were young. The set I purchased in the box was that way, too.
Factory Sealed Adams Parts:
To further confirm the lack of rifle, this factory sealed package of Seth Adams' parts lack the rifle. Note the brown pistol. Earlier sets probably had silver pistols, while later sets might have had the brown or black one.
Mold Mark
Ward Bond: “©Hartland Plastics, Inc.” on back of the left arm.

Number Show
Name		 Star’s
Name		 Figure’s
Name		 Studio Show
Years		 Brochure
Years
824 Wagon
Train		 Ward Bond Major
Seth Adams		 Revue Studios 1957-
1962		 1958-1961
Seth Adams Literature:
The colorful box is unique to Seth Adams—unlike many of the Hartland boxes which were shared by several sets. The brochure photograph offers no clues about his rifle since the angle is wrong to be able to see it. The text next to the brochure photograph does not mention a rifle. The Ward Bond tag is one of the only Hartland tags to have an actual photograph in it. Most are simple drawings or all text. The tag adds to the confusion of what to call this set. Instead of making “Seth Adams” large, it is omitted completely from the tag! It would be easy to understand why some kids grew up calling the set “Ward Bond”.
Adams Black Hat:
This one usually has an O in it, but could have an E, R, U, or possibly a couple of different letters. The white version of the same hat seems to be the same as a Maverick Gunfighter, usually with an E.
Adams Saddle:
This saddle is the one most often found with boxed Seth Adams sets and believed to be the only one they shipped with him. Some collectors switch it out with a rifle holed black saddle when combined with a small Winchester rifle. This saddle is identical to the one used with Lone Ranger sets. It was also used with Josh Randall and Dale Evans when molded in brown. Some, or most, have the holes in the fenders for the cinch strap.
Adams Pistols:
I believe either of these standard pistols are correct for this set. The later sets probably had the brown one as standard issue.

Adams Whip:
This is a tough original piece to fine with an unbroken handle. It is unique to Seth Adams. The small Winchester above is the style used by most collectors if they do combine it with this set.