Kenton Hardware Company
62 years in operation (1890–1952)
About Kenton Hardware Company
Kenton Hardware produced a wide range of cast-iron toys including horse-drawn vehicles, automobiles, fire engines, and novelty items. They are especially known for their cap pistols, including the popular Gene Autry model.
History of Kenton Hardware Company
Kenton of Kenton, Ohio was one of the three great American cast-iron toy foundries, alongside Hubley and Arcade, and its range was the broadest of the three in horse-drawn subjects. Fire apparatus with teams of horses, circus wagons and cages, delivery drays, buses and cars were produced in enormous variety across half a century.
The horse-drawn material is where Kenton is strongest. Its fire pumpers, ladder trucks and hose reels with three-horse teams are among the most impressive American cast-iron toys ever made, and the circus wagons — including caged animals and bandwagons — are a collecting field in themselves.
Kenton made the same transition Hubley did, moving into cap pistols as cast-iron toys declined, and the Gene Autry repeating pistols of the western era were significant sellers. The company closed in 1952.
Timeline
- 1890The Kenton Hardware Company is established in Kenton, Ohio
- 1900Cast-iron horse-drawn fire apparatus and delivery vehicles lead the range
- 1925Cast-iron toy circus wagons, buses and automobiles broaden the catalogue
- 1940Cap pistols become a major line as cast-iron toys decline
- 1950Gene Autry repeating cap pistols are strong sellers
- 1952The company closes
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Gene Autry repeating cap pistol
- Kenton cast-iron fire truck
- Kenton horse-drawn circus wagon
- Kenton cast-iron auto bus
- Kenton Jaeger cement mixer
Identifying & Dating Kenton Hardware Company Toys
- Look for "KENTON" cast underneath or on a chassis member, sometimes with "Kenton, Ohio"; many pieces carry only a pattern number.
- Cap pistols are marked "KENTON" cast into the frame, with the model or character name.
- Horse-drawn pieces are usually identified by pattern against catalogue reprints rather than by mark, since the castings themselves often carry nothing.
Collector's Notes
- Horse-drawn sets must be complete — the correct number of horses, the correct driver and firemen figures, ladders, hose reels and wheels. Mixed-up assemblies of parts from several toys are extremely common in this market.
- Cast-iron reproductions are abundant. Weight, crispness of cast lettering, and the fit of the two halves of a casting are the practical tests; recasts are lighter and softer in detail.
- Original paint with intact hand-lining is the premium. Repainted iron is everywhere and should be priced as a decorative object.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kenton Hardware Company founded?
Kenton Hardware Company was founded in 1890, based in Kenton, OH.
Is Kenton Hardware Company still in business?
No. Kenton Hardware Company ceased operations in 1952, after 62 years in business.
What is Kenton Hardware Company best known for?
Kenton Hardware Company is best known for Gene Autry repeating cap pistol, Kenton cast-iron fire truck, Kenton horse-drawn circus wagon, among other toys.
Where was Kenton Hardware Company located?
Kenton Hardware Company was based in Kenton, OH.
What kinds of toys did Kenton Hardware Company make?
Kenton Hardware Company is categorized under cast iron, cap guns, vehicles.
How can you identify genuine Kenton Hardware Company toys?
Look for "KENTON" cast underneath or on a chassis member, sometimes with "Kenton, Ohio"; many pieces carry only a pattern number. Cap pistols are marked "KENTON" cast into the frame, with the model or character name. Horse-drawn pieces are usually identified by pattern against catalogue reprints rather than by mark, since the castings themselves often carry nothing.
Are Kenton Hardware Company toys valuable?
Horse-drawn sets must be complete — the correct number of horses, the correct driver and firemen figures, ladders, hose reels and wheels. Mixed-up assemblies of parts from several toys are extremely common in this market. Cast-iron reproductions are abundant. Weight, crispness of cast lettering, and the fit of the two halves of a casting are the practical tests; recasts are lighter and softer in detail. Original paint with intact hand-lining is the premium. Repainted iron is everywhere and should be priced as a decorative object.