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!

This extensive and easy-to-use guide allows readers quick access to vital information on all of Fenton's art glass types and values. Thousands of listings and over 390 beautiful color images illustrate the vast range of art glass produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company since it opened for business in 1905. Included are Fenton's Burmese, Carnival, Crests, Silver Crest, Hobnail, Milk Glass and Pastel Milk Glass, Opalescent, Opaque, Overlay, Satin, and Transparent styles, as well as Christmas items, Robert Barber wares, and Anniversary Issues. The text includes a company history and extensive tables of pattern names and color, color code, and years of production. For the serious collector or historian, a special reference code indicates in which of the author's other eight books one will find detailed information on each pattern type. Values are found in the tables. This book is essential reading for art glass collectors.