Metlox/Poppytrail

There are many, many brands of model horses on the market, both past and present. Breyers are easy to tell as are most Hagen Renakers. "Japans" is the term used for china models made in Japan during the 50s, 60s, 70s, and even beyond. Then there are British companies (Beswick, Juleps, Royal Doulton) and other European companies that produce fine china along with an animal line that includes horses. (Can't afford those!)

I've had some pieces in my collection since I was a child that are a bit different. They tend to be chunkier, lighter (they're usually hollow) and have eyeliner-style eyes. I have wondered about them over the years, and think I have finally identified them - they're Metlox Poppytrails.

I don't know much about the company, but yesterday this photo, identified as a Metlox Poppytrail piece, was listed on the Model Horse $ales Page:

(Photo by Liz Strauss. Model owned by Liz Strauss.)

Right away I noticed the similarity to several of my pieces:

A piece I found this spring at Raven's Roost Antiques in Lafayette and purchased for only $3.

Similar eye detail and hooves to the drafter above.

 Falda - a favorite from my earliest days of collecting.

Why? Because she was black, my favorite color at the time, and she had eyelashes!!
Her hooves and paint detail look remarkable similar to the drafter's.

(Photo by Liz Strauss.)

This is the sticker under the drafter's belly clearly says "Metlox."

 This is the sticker under Falda's. It says, "Trimont Ware Japan."

There is also remnants of another sticker under Falda's belly. Could it be another one that said "Metlox"?

And notice that the drafter's sticker only said "Metlox," not "Metlox Poppytrail." Is it possible the two companies merged? Or they both put out a very similar product, along with Trimont Ware?

Certainly something to do a little research on as I document my collection.