Mike Jackson’s Hartland Photos:
Ranald Mackenzie & Variations

Text & Photographs Copyright Mike Jackson 1998-2008

Ranald Mackenzie: #829
This set is certainly one of the harder 800 series western horse and riders. Mackenzie’s Raiders only lasted one year on television and, as a result, probably lost most of its anticipated demand. With the full rearing horse and outreached hand, he is a very dynamic set. The likeness of Richard Carlson is amazing. It seems that most of the Mackenzie sets I have ever seen have knotted reins as opposed to the crimped style. Recently a collector informed me she has one with the crimped reins, so it sounds like either way is correct.

Full Rearing all black stallion: By far the most common variation. No paint on the bridle.

Semi-Rearing all black stallion: Some people might question the authenticity of this combination but I do believe it was sent out this way for a while. The slender tail is typical of the semi-rearing horses used in the later years. During a period around 1961 and 1962, several of the sets that normally shipped with a full rearing horse were switched over to a semi-rearing horse. (Lone Ranger & Roy Rogers) Additionally, Tonto and Matt Dillon also were placed on semi-rearing horses around that time.

Number Show
Name		 Star’s
Name		 Figure’s
Name		 Studio Show
Year		 Brochure
Years
829 Mackenzie’s
Raiders		 Richard
Carlson		 Ranald
Mackenzie		 ZIV TV,
PGMS, INC.		 1958 1959-1961

Some information in this chart from “Total Television” by Alex McNeil 1996, 4th Edition
Mackenzie’s Raiders was a cross between Mission Impossible and a typical western. Mackenzie and his band of soldiers were given impossible missions including crossing the US/Mexico border. If caught, however, the President of the US would not admit knowledge of his actions.
Mold Mark
Mackenzie: “© 1959 ZIV TV, PGMS, INC.” on the back of the left arm.
Mackenzie was shipped in a Crystal Palace box typical of many of the later sets. In the early 1959 brochure, Mackenzie was shown with only a line drawing but then showed up the following two years with the photo above. Mackenzie’s tag is the same shape as the other generals and it tough to find.
Mackenzie’s Hat resembles Custer’s hat with the exception of being white and lacking the crossed swords on the front of the crown.

The Mackenzie saddle is identical to the ones used with General Custer. I don’t believe he had any other weapon than a pistol, though I have heard of people combing this figure with a sword. It appears the pistol was probably a plain brown one, but “possibly” he had a silver military pistol also used with General Custer.