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Ca. 1887-1890’s LION HEAD FIGURAL IRON TOY CAP PISTOL, RARE ENGLISH VERSION

$ 211.2

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Modified Item: No
  • Condition: Note: the rivets on this & most other English toy cap pistols are usually larger than their American counterparts. There is a pleasing patina & a light sheen to the surface. None of the original transparent finish is present. The toy appears to have been cleaned many years ago & we have left it just as found. The toy has never been taken apart & it has not been tampered with in any way.
  • Vintage: Yes
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
  • Material: Cast Iron
  • Year: 1887-1890's
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted

    Description

    Original circa 1887-1890’s Lion head figural cast iron toy cap pistol. Other varieties of Lion head toy cap pistols are listed & shown in the first 1973 book “Cast Iron Toy Pistols 1870-1940” by Charles Best. The American versions of the Lion head were produced between 1887 to the 1890’s. However, this version of the Lion head is NOT shown in the first  toy cap pistol book. A later edition of the cap pistol book by Samuel Logan & Charles Best was issued in 1990.
    Several different versions of the Lion cap pistol are pictured in the second cap pistol book. The version we are offering which was made in England but is not marked "Made in England" is not listed in either the second book or the first book. However, the same version except with the "Made In England" marking is listed on page 220 & shown under "English7" in the second cap pistol book.
    In any event, we saw a couple of examples of the Lion in collections, many years ago, which were the exact same design that we are offering which were marked “England”. The example that we are offering is unmarked but was made in England. The English version marked "Made in England" is very hard to find. But, this unmarked English version is even additionally hard to find.
    Our example has the word “LION” in large letters in the casting on one side of the handle & an ornate design below the word. The other side has a checkered area & an ornate section below. The hammer hits in the mouth of the Lion to explode the cap.
    This toy cap pistol measures 5 1/8 inches long by 2 1/8 inches tall by 7/8 inch across the head of the Lion. The weight is 4.4 ounces. There are no cracks, & no chips, & no repairs. The cap pistol is in sound working condition. The spring works to solidly pull the hammer back & to solidly lock the hammer back & to propel forward the hammer correctly after the trigger is pulled to pop the cap.
    The cap pistol is complete in all respects & all of the components present are original including the rivets. Note: the rivets on this & most other English toy cap pistols are usually larger than their American counterparts. There is a pleasing patina & a light sheen to the surface. None of the original transparent finish is present. The toy appears to have been cleaned many years ago & we have left it just as found. The toy has never been taken apart & it has not been tampered with in any way.
    Please examine the photos closely & purchase based on your own judgement as to condition & value.
    This item is inventory #6684.
    Shipping is free to addresses in the U.S. & this item is only being offered for sale to addresses in the U.S.
    NOTE: In compliance with eBay rules this antique TOY cap pistol has been plugged with a blaze orange plug. This replica gun contains the colored markings required by law, including a permanently attached orange plug. This antique TOY cap pistol was NOT made to fire a projectile & it CANNOT be altered to fire bullets, or ammunition, or lethal projectiles of any kind. This antique TOY cap pistol is located in the United States & it will only be sold to residents of the United States & shipped to addresses in the United States. This antique TOY cap pistol can only be sold to buyers above the age of 18. All of the pictures in this listing have been taken & uploaded by me & are NOT stock photos. This antique TOY cap pistol is shown as a whole in its entirety in several different views. We have carefully adhered to all eBay requirements in listing this item.