Description
Cast iron toys are among the most up to date toy collectibles nowadays. One of the easiest known of these were made by Kenton, an Ohio firm that operated from the 1890s to the 1950s. Their famous Kenton toys include children’s savings banks, toy stoves, trains, circus caravans, cars, fire trucks, nostalgic horse-and-buggy lines, and nodders, all identified and shown here in color photographs and original catalog illustrations. Most famous of all was once the authentic Gene Autry toy pistol, which was once unveiled in 1937. Two million of these were sold within the first year and a half, and the company prospered from the Singong Cowboy’s popularity until 1951. This marvelously well-illustrated and researched book traces the history of Kenton from its days as a boomtown hardware manufacturer within the nineteenth century in the course of the struggles of the 2 world wars. The growth of the American toy industry is reflected within the chronicle of this vital company told with details from the company archives and with the engaging testimony of company employees. The story of Gene Autry’s festive seek advice from to Kenton is delightful!