This is the great mystery company! Patricia Ohlott, Debbie Moore, Vickie W. Neiduski, and Barri Mayse all expressed a great desire to discover the company behind the clover-shaped stamp found on the bellies of these horses. Without knowing a better name, these horses are nicknamed "Clovers." Barri told me that these models have two types of stamps--a simpler design of three hearts connected in a cross-shape with two cross-lines; the fancy version also includes an encircling wreath and are usually found on older, nicer pieces but not always. Julie Brady says that Clovers have a very characteristic eye--fully outlined in black and looking up (having the upper part of the iris cut off by the top lid). Vickie W. Neiduski added, if the model doesn't have a clover stamp, it's not a "Clover." As far as anyone knows, there never was an official "Clover" company. So far nobody's found a sticker with a company name, but if you're reading this and know more about these horses, please email the curator at .

FLASH! Aliyah Ahmad wrote to say that she's discovered the company behind Clover! The Nihon Yoko Boeki Company has used a red stamp marked "Japan" with a realistic 3-leaf clover on a stem within a wreath. They continue to manufacture chinas for export. She has also seen a different unidentified clover mark.

FLASH! Sheri Sommars has found a source for these models at an antique mall and flea market near her home. She says all the models have "Made in Japan" stickers on them and range from $6.00-$15.00 in price.

Photo Credit: Trotting Horse owned by Debbie Moore

Riding Pony in White
5.5" tall, owned by Mark Williamson; photo provided by Julie Brady. This model has the clover & wrath stamp on its belly

Riding Pony in Brown
5" tall, owned by Mark Williamson; photo provided by Julie Brady. This model has the clover & wreath stamp on its belly

Walking Horse in Black Overo
5.5" tall, owned by Mark Williamson; photo provided by Julie Brady. Clover stamps on both front hooves.

Turning Back Horse in Palomino
8.5" tall, owned by Mark Williamson; photo provided by Julie Brady. It has a large clover stamp on the belly with a curling stem (without the center cross-lines).

Turning back horse in charcoal/grey
9.25 inches tall and is marked with the three leaf Clover symbol. His show name is Smooth Criminal. Image provided by Vanessa Brown.

Prancing horse in dapple grey
5.5" high; backstamped with the three leaf Clover. It was originally on a ceramic base and was easily removed with hot water. Image provided by Vanessa Brown.

Prancing Horse
Owned by Patricia Ohlott

Foal in Bay
Photo provided by Janet Swartz

Standing horse in Bay
Photo provided by Vanessa Brown

Standing mounted hunter, head down in grey
Photo provided by Vanessa Brown

Standing mounted hunter in palomino and chestnut
5 1/2" tall. One has a souvenier sticker as well. Image provided by Jeri Harris.

Standing mounted sidesaddle hunter in dapple grey
5 3/4" tall. Image provided by Vanessa Brown. Also shown with standing mounted hunder in (white) grey and standing hunder, head down in grey.

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