Kenton Cast Iron Toys: The Real Thing in Everything but Size [Paperback]

Charles M. Jacobs (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1997

Cast iron toys are among the hottest toy collectibles today. Some of the best 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 the authentic Gene Autry toy pistol, which was unveiled in 1937. Two million of these were sold in 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 in the nineteenth century through the struggles of the two world wars. The growth of the American toy industry is reflected in the chronicle of this important company told with details from the company archives and with the engaging testimony of company employees. The story of Gene Autry's festive visit to Kenton is delightful!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles M. Jacobs has lived in Kenton since 1985. He is the curator-director of four historical museums in Ohio, including the archives in Kenton.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (March 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887409806
• ISBN-13: 978-0887409806
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,011,340 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kenton Toys Soft Cover, February 14, 2009

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Ricky D (Naples, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Kenton Cast Iron Toys: The Real Thing in Everything but Size (Paperback)

Nice book. Well documented with many color photos. Interesting written History of Kenton Toys throughout with many black & white photos from the early days at the plant. Book includes a Price guide with ref page to match photo. Complete index. If you're a fan of Gene Autry this book devotes a good section to the famous Cowboy and his involvement in the making of the Gene Autry Repeating Cap Pistol...some nice photos of Gene at the plant circa:1938...Good reference book.