Mike Jackson’s Hartland Photos:
Non-Hartland Sets and Parts

Text & Photographs Copyright Mike Jackson 1998-2008
Wells Lamont Red Ryder and Horses

Wells Lamont Red Ryder:
I’ve had parts of this set for a long time but recently purchased this set for illustration on this site. The entire set is fairly crude. On each item, they made very small changes to the original Hartland pieces. The horse is quite a bit different with its thick legs and slightly raised right leg. The blanket is actually molded onto the back of the horse and it has “Red Ryder” molded onto the blanket. Both the figure and horse have “Wells Lamont” molded into them. The fringe on the figure is considerably shorter and the seams on the plastic don’t fit together very well. The plastic seems to be lighter in weight and has a cheaper feel.

Not long ago, I contacted the Wells Lamont company to see if I could find out any additional information about this set. The lady I spoke with in that knew a little about the historical archives did check around but could not find any solid information, nor even an original set in the company.
The warbonnet was obviously made from a Hartland piece but some of the feather detailing is missing, along with the bead work on the front. It is replaced with a smooth strip and a moon with two stars molded onto the strip. Some have speculated that this is a Hartland piece, but I am positive it is not.
The pieces to the left came from a mint in the box Red Ryder set (Wells Lamont). The knive and bow appear to be exactly like Hartland pieces. The tomahawk looks similar but does seem to have more of a notch missing on the underside. The spear is quite different with the bigger head and different feather configuration. (Thanks R. Donovan!)
This coupon is 2.5" x 3.5". Once the order form on the back is filled out, the owner would send the coupon directly to Wells Lamont Corp, Chicago to get a 75¢ horse and saddle. Judging from the fact that the mane is on the left side, it was probably a Breyer champ style horse. The copy also states that the reins and bridle have a gold finish, common to Breyer sets. The coupon has an expiration date of May 1, 1955.