Left to right, first row: James Edinger, Walter Berg, Jack Gordon, Ulysses Allen, Jim Ruffin, Francis Pierce, Fred Mayes, DON WINTON JACKIE ROBINSON. Second Row: Coach Otto Anderson, Wesley Bowers, Bill Harvey, Chet Benjamin, Jim Peterson John Pimley, Jim Miller, Ed Callahan, Paul Mechler, Dick Bagnard, Manager.
Bear in Honey Pot
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I have never seen a Expanimal Planter. If anybody out there has one please send me a picture so I can post it on the website and share it with everybody.
Elephant Cocktail Napkin Holder
Small 8'' and Large 12'' Gazelle
Dog Wall Pocket
These are the original order forms from the H & L Sales Company
Cow
The industrious twins put on plays in the school auditorium that consisted of 10 kids hand picked by the brothers and one of their picks for a bit part was Billy Beadle who we all know today as William Holden.
Panda, Chick, Clown Duck, Sitting Puppy and Pup in Shoe
Winnie the Pooh
Don pictured with the Mickey Mouse Telephone, Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Emmy Awards Trophy that he sculpted.
Very rare Moma and Baby Deer
Napoleon Bonaparte on a Peanut Shakers
Dog Cocktail Napkin Holder
Don's sculpted a one-of-a-kind cookie jar of him and Norma and was auctioned off at the National Cookie Jar Convention for $7,900.
Dutch Girl
From 1938 until 1941 Twin Winton manufactured a small line of animals which included squirrels, bunnies, chipmunks, and cats, all 3 to 4 inches high. The larger animals were very popular but limited in production because of space limitations in the kiln firing. These pre war animals were decorated black and white.
Original pencil sketches of Don Winton's artwork
skunk head turned
Skunk
Don playing football in the armed forces.
Twin Winton produced over 200 different animal figurines which ranged from one inch in height to over twelve inches in height. Production of the animals stopped in April of 1953
Frog and Dog Toothbrush Holder
Unicorn
Duck
Creamer and Sugar
Elf Riding a Snail
Don and Ross in the late 1940s
Sword Fish or Snal Fish Planter
Standing Elf
Seal
Two Fish Planters
Don and Ross in high school
Teddy Bear Talking Picture
Elephant Mug
Horse
Don has created and designed well over 15,000 items in his lifetime. Some of these designs are the Emmy award, The Academy of Country Music Award, the prestigious basketball John Wooden Award, The Mickey Mouse, and Snoopy phone plus many famous Trophies and Busts.
Candle Stick Holder
Navy Bear
Garlic Holder and Salt Pepper Shakers
Democrat Donkey
Ross and Don admiring an architectural ornament.
Sitting Rabbit Grey or White
Racoon Shakers
Horse Cocktail Napkin Holder
Don Winton at John Muir High School kneeling next to the great athlete Jackie Robinson
Hamm's Bear Cookie Jar
While a junior in high school Don and his brothers began making and selling ceramic figurines similar to the Disney characters. By their senior year they had a very profitable business. It was so successful that Disney management felt threatened and sent the boys a cease and desist letter. Walt Disney heard of their plight and told his attorneys to leave them alone. Don stated "Walt was very supportive and I'll always be grateful for that.
Blind Mouse
Norma Winton recalls 1947, when she was Rose Queen and Bob Hope was grand marshal.
Kitten Expanimals Planter
Clown Figurine
Scroll down and click on page 3 for additional Twin Winton pictures and information
Don Winton passed away on March 7 2007 at the age of 87 from heart disease and Norma passed away February 27, 2016 at the age of 87. God Bless you Don and Norma Winton and may you both rest in peace.
Don Winton and his Twin Winton Miniature Animal Figurines
Pan Sitting on a Stump
Blind Mouse & Mouse, Grey or White
Happy Buny
White Swan
Puppy Book Ends
Black Sambo String Puller Designed by Don Winton
Deer standing up
There Was a Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe
More Don Winton Figurines and Pottery
Elephant Planter
Haym Salomon
Don's love of animals and the whimsical side of life is expressed in these wonderful animal miniature figurines. From the picture of the original order form there appears to be 64 miniatures that were produced. They range in size of 1' TO 2 1/2 inches long. They were produced by Twin Winton and sold by the H & L Sales company. None of these figurines are marked. The figurines are very difficult to distinguish from the Hagen Renaker Line. Enclosed are pictures of the original order form, Sales Flyer and limited pictures to try and help identify Twin Miniature figurines and distinguish them from the Hagen Renaker miniatures. If you have a Twin Winton Miniature Figurine please send me a picture and I will post it on the website. If you have a miniature that you suspect is Twin Winton, send me a picture and let me help you determine that it is Twin Winton.
Balinese Dancers 18'' high.
Sculpting at the National Cookie Jar Convention
Panda Bear and Poodle Clocks
In his senior year of high school Don started sculpting for Bush Gardens, a popular tourist spot. He sculpted Garden Gnomes and other animals for the gift shop. In 1937 Don and Ross formed their own company jointly with the gift shop employee Helen Burke. Thus the name Helen-Burke. The boys worked at manufacturing while Helen worked at decorating. In 1938 the boys broke away from Helen Burke and formed their own company TWIN WINTON STUDIOS.
The images below are scanned from the original Sales Flyer and have been substancially enlarged in order to help and identify them as Twin Winton. They are very rare and difficult to find.
Kitty, Gray or White with Black
At the age of 12 years old while in junior high Don sculpted a bust of George Washington that was so good that it was displayed as part of the Centennial Exhibit in the Smithsonian Institute
Merry Christmas Planter in Red
Crocker Spaniel 7''
In 1933 at the age of 14, Don started John Muir Technical High School and plunged into athletics including, football, track, and basketball. One of their friends and team mate was the great Jackie Robinson.
Rabbit, Grey or White
Did you Know ?
Archival Photo of Assorted Twin Winton Animal Figurines at the Twin Winton Factory
The following pictures shows four sales sheets from The Newcombs Wholesale Giftwares Company in Los Angeles California, who sold Twin Winton Figurines for the Twin Winton Company. Pictured are just 100 animal figurines of the more than 200 that Twin Winton produced. The sales sheets are poor quality but I have enlarged them to give you an ideal of what some of the Twin Winton animal figurines look like.
Notice the number on the sales sheet under the figurines, they are the numbers that were placed on the bottom of the figurines. Notice number #63. It is the number on the large 11 inch rabbit which I have pictured on page 1. Numbers #82, #83 and #61 are the large 8 inch tall Squirrels and Chipmunk which are also pictured on page 1.
Production of the Twin Winton Figurines stopped in April of 1953 to give you a ideal just how old these figurines are.
Wolly Mamouth Bank in Ivory and Brown Stain
Sitting Dutch Girl Figurine
Don was once asked if he had any particular favorite piece and he replied,
"I have no favorite piece. There are so many stories behind all these people and characters. Stories of courage and sacrifice, love and humor. Each time I sculpt I become emotionally involved in their life stories and as a result each piece is special to me. I guess they're all my favorite pieces."
Pig Toothpick Holder
Black Scottie Dog
Three Smiliing Cats
Large Chipmunk Figurine
Sitting Elf
Hamm's Beer Bear Figurine 5''
Cat
Kristy Kangaroo Bottle Holder
Deer laying down
In 1993 Don winton Designed and Sculpted Dolls for the Morgan Brittany Doll Collection. I have very little information on just how many dolls he designed and sculpted but below are pictures of the Doll "Faith" that he designed. If anybody has any information on Don's involvement I would appreciate any information so it could be updated on the website.
David
Wampum Corn Chips Bank
Vase
Elf Riding a Turtle
Walking Rabbit, Grey or White
Don hard at work, Sculpting at his bench in 1954
In 1947 the Hillbilly line was introduced and was very successful. The line was inspired by the Paul Webb cartoon series. The Hillbilly line fad lasted about three years until 1950.
Rabbit
Bob's Big Boy Bank
Tinkerbell
Floppy Rabbit, Gre yor White
Tortise and the Hare Figurines
Rooster Teapot
Sculpting at the National Cookie Jar Convention
Large Duck Swimming, White
Mouse
Scottie Dog
and the Twin Winton Company
Volkswagen Bank
Cat 9 1/2''
Coin created for the movie Ben Hur
Vintage Prototype Racoon Planter
Four Skunk Pull Toy
Racoon
Dutch Girl Bank
Don Winton and his twin Brother Ross was born on June 2, 1919 and they had a older brother, Bruce, who was 4 years older.
Merry Christmas Planter in White
Information and pictures of Don Winton
In 1942 Don and Ross enlisted for military service and all operations and manufacting were suspended for the duration of World War II. He was discharged in late 1946 and returned to Pasadena California and the family business and continued perfecting his sculpting skills.
Skunk tail up
Persian Cat 8 1/2''
The Academy of Country Music Award Trophy
Norma Christopher and her court in the 1947 Rose Parade.
Ibex Figurine
Sam the Eagle
Bob's Big Boy Bank with Blue Eyes
Elf Figurine
Garlic Pot
General Dolittle
Elf Figurine
Cow, all Brown.
Border Collie 7 1/2''
Pelican
Racoon Cookie Jar
Cat Figurine
Owl Shakers
Sculpting away and making clay come to life, as art, and will live on forever.
Snifty Skunk
Burke Winton Squirrel
Lazy Burro
Catalog Sales Sheets from the Newcombs Wholesale Giftwares Company who distributed Twin Winton Figurines for Twin Winton.
Drill sergant
G.O.P. Republican Elephant
Don working in the factory in Pasadena CA
Pinocchio
Elf with a Basket
In 1947 Don convinced the Tournament of Roses committee that he was the man to Sculpt a bust of the Rose Queen. Dons pick of a beautiful petite blond by the name of Norma Christopher did indeed become the 1947 Rose Queen. That year the Grand Marshal was none other than Bob Hope and he was good friends with Don and Norm. In 1948 Don married the Rose Queen and Bob Hope gave the newlyweds a silver punch bowls and matching candelabra.
Archival Twin Winton photo showing the large 11'' Rabbits and 8' Chipmunks
Kicking Burro
Cowboy
Beaver laying down
Enlarged Photo of a Large Rabbit and Chipmunks
German Shepard
Dealer Plaque for Shekinah China
Don's Testimony
Did you know that Don Winton Designed and sculpted Dolls?
Golf Club Vase
Little Girl Playing with Teddy Bear
Don with the Fred Walton Memorial Trophy for the National AAU Pentathlon.
Don was a freelance sculptor from 1952 until his death and sculpted for many of the major companies. Some of these companies include Hanna Barbara, Hamm's Beer, Rexall Drugs, Frito Company, General Electric, Gerber Toys, Bobs Big Boy, Smithsonian Museum, L.A.Times, Kool Aid, Mattel Toy Company, Max Factor, Chevy Dealers, Chicken of the Sea, Coca-Cola. Colgate, United Way, Van de Kamps, Nine Lives, Disneyland, Reagan Foundation and Library to name just a few.
Skunk Air Wick Bottle
Skunk head turned
In 1950 the Children's Album Figurines were introduced which looked similar to the very popular Hummel figurines. This line was not very successful and lasted only a year.
Dutch Girl Figurine
Sitting up Burro
Chicken Spoon Holder
Shepherd Boy
Cat in a Pumpkin
Cowboy Ash Tray
Large Chipmunk 7 inches long
Poodle Expanimals Planter
Little Mermaid
The Mickey Mouse Telephoone
Beaver sitting up
Elf Holding Birthday Cake
Bear Shakers
The wood finish on the very popular cookie jars and accessories was developed in the early 1950s and was a main stay until the company closed in 1977-1978.
Rooster Lamp
Skunk Tail Up
Skunk
Shepard Boy
Remember, the below images of the miniature animals figurines are only 1 to 2 1/2 inches in length. They have been enlarged to get a better understanding of what they look like. They are very rare and difficult to find.
Dinosaur Shakers
Cat in Sailbat Planter
Snoopy Bear Bud Vase
Don at the National Cookie Jar Convention.
Astronaut
White Scottie Dog
Large Duck, White
Golf Bag Vase
Mickey Mouse the Sorcerer
Wolly Mammouth Bank
Hunting Dog 11''
Rabbit with Satchel
Archival Twin winton photo showing Snow White and others
Standing Elephant
Don (left) and Ross (right) and model of Chinese Settlement the fashioned from clay. 12 years old.
Beavers
Black Football Player
Cookie House Cookie Jar
The Emmy Award
When they settled in Los Angeles in 1927 they attended a church named Angelus Temple and became well known to the congregation when they molded most of the animals in the bible, in full color. The animals were displayed in church gift store for a period of time and this is where they had their first art show.
Black Swan
Bruce Winton
Pig Eating Cookie and Dog in a Basket
Don at age 18 working at Bush Gardens
Alladin Lamp Candle Holder
Ram
Angel Figurines
Gazelle Ashtray
Rabbit Cocktail Napkin Holder
Pig, White and Gray
Burro with Cart
Norma Christopher (Winton) the 1947 Rose Queen posing for Don for his sculpture.
Honey Jar
Three Alligator Floating Toys
Sleeping Beauty Castle
Angel Figurine
Lion
Little Girl Praying
Cow with Black & Brown Spots
Chipmunk Expanimals Planter
Archival Twin Winton Photo of Ducks
Squirrel with Nut and Mallet
Don has sculpted for Disney from 1954 until his death. He stated "the first thing I did was a model of the Castle, it was before Disneyland was built. It was a playpen type of thing about four feet in diameter and made out of plastic. I've done all of their characters over the years, even Steamboat Willie".
Jimney Cricket
Elf
Donald Duck
Elf sitting on a Mushroom
These are the original sales flyers from the H & L Company
Calf with Black and Brown Spots
Mouse, Yellow or Green
Cat Figurine
Mouse Smoking a Pipe Figurine
Baby Duck, Yellow
Frog in a Bucket
Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach Cookie Jar
Sitting Burro
Squirrel
Four Penguin Pull Toy
Train Wheel Toy
Cat 9 1/2''
Elephant Cocktail Napkin Holder
John Muir Technical High School 1937-1938
Baby Duck Swimming yellow
Archival Twin Winton Photo of Snow White
When the boys were 5 years old in 1924 there mother went to the local Govan Saskatchewan General Store and bought several boxes of oil clay and started them on their journey. Don indicated "I knew since I was 5 that I wanted to be a sculptor. I just always loved working with clay and molding things."