| Cast Iron | Die Cast | Cap Pistols | Toy Cap Guns |
The Kenton Lock Manufacturing Company was organized in 1890 and later became Kenton Hardware Company. In 1904 L. S. Bixler (1864-1951) became manager of the company. The company was reorganized in 1912 and Bixler was elected president. The Kenton Hardware Company became one of the world’s largest maker of cast iron toys including toy stoves, banks, fire company outfits, horse drawn vehicles, automobiles and cap pistols.
By 1937 the effects of the Great Depression was taking a toll on the Kenton Hardware Company. The company decided to take a chance on a western cap gun idea featuring the new singing cowboy and movie star Gene Autry. Kenton then reproduced Autry’s six shooter selling it for 50¢ and creating a money maker for the company for many years. The Kenton Hardware Company ceased production in 1952 but Kenton toys continue to be popular with collectors worldwide including the very popular Gene Autry toy cap guns.
Kenton Cap Guns – The First Gene Autry Cap Gun
Kenton Cap Guns and Holster Set
Orvon Grover “Gene” Autry born on September 29, 1907 and died October 2, 1998. Gene Autry was known as the “good guy in the white hat” for his role as a singing cowboy on the radio, in the movies and on television.