J.E. Stevens Cast Iron Nickel Finish Long Barrel “King” Toy Cap Gun Pistol *SOLD*

J.E. Stevens Co. Cast Iron Nickel Finish Long Barrel “King” Toy Cap Gun Pistol

This hard to find “King” single shot cast iron, long barrel, nickel plated cap pistol was manufactured by the J.E. Stevens Company out of Cromwell, Conn. between 1900-1920. We believe this particular model is an earlier version of the shorter barreled “King” that was made in 1920, as longer barrels cost more money and more than likely Stevens chopped the barrel to save money. The gun is made of a heavy cast metal and has “KING” embossed on both sides and “MADE IN  THE USA” on the left hand side. The gun shoots single cap and works great. Caps are not included.

Our example of this cap gun is in fair all original condition with no restorations, repairs, breaks or touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, chips, scuffs, scratches, surface rusting and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 7 3/8” in length. This is a very desirable and hard to find cast iron toy and would be a great addition to any cast iron or cap pistol collection. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

A brief history of J. & E. Stevens of Cromwell, Connecticut:

J. & E. Stevens of Cromwell, Connecticut operated between 1842 and in to the 1950’s and was founded by blacksmith John Stevens and his brother Elisha Stevens. When J. & E. Stevens began they first started making cast iron hardware, hammers and simple iron toys. Their metal fabrication line also included stubs, plates, door buttons, as well as, wardrobe, coat and hat hooks. They are believed to be one of the first manufacturers of cast iron toys in the United States. They manufactured toys such as, cannons, locomotives, whistling tops, toy irons, kettles, skillets, and stoves.

Throughout their time they made a variety of toys and are most famous for their more than 300 types of mechanical banks and cap pistols. The company specialized in cast iron mechanical banks from 1870 until the turn of the century. In 1859 they produced their first cap pistol and by 1928 they devoted themselves entirely to the production of cap pistols. An interesting side note is that, J. & E. Stevens supplied The Gong Bell Manufacturing Company of Hampton, Connecticut and Watrous Bell Toys with the castings for their bell toys. Elisha Stevens later joined George Brown to establish the Stevens & Brown. Brown and Elisha Stevens started a new toy enterprise in Cromwell in 1869 producing a variety of tin toys. During World War II the company closed due to the shortage of iron and the company was sold to Buckley Brothers of New York in 1950.