Cast Iron Toys Manufactured by: J. &. E/ Stevens;
Judd Manufacturing Company; and Kyser & RexBank
by Sy Schreckinger – ANTIQUE TOY WORLD Magazine – May, 2006

     During the late nineteenth century, several foundries that were primarily involved in the manufacture of cast iron mechanical banks also produced various other cast iron items, including toys. The following examples from these companies are acknowledged by collectors to be among the finest representations of iron foundry art ever produced.
     SWAN CHARIOT: Manufactured by the J. and E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut. Circa 1880-1890's. Designed and patented by Charles M. Henn of  Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Henn was the creator of the "Eagle and "Eaglets" Mechanical Bank, also produced by the J. and E. Stevens Company.
     As "Swan Chariot" is pulled along, via a string attachment, the bird's articulated wings flap, and a small wood and cloth bellows (located underneath its platform) emits a swan-like whistling sound.
     SANTA SLEIGH: Manufactured by the Kyser and Rex Company of Frankford, Pennsylvania. Circa 1885. The brightly painted sleigh transports the traditional "Father Christmas", bundled in a blanket sprinkled with snow. His articulated arms control two dashing reindeer, also dappled with snow. Many collectors of cast iron toys consider the form and design of this toy to be an outstanding example of the iron foundry artisan.
     BARREL WITH ARMS INKWELL: Manufactured by the Judd Manufacturing Company of Wallingford, Connecticut. Circa 1885. A cast iron novelty item, which Judd also produced as a toy penny bank. Both inkwell and bank utilize similar castings. The bank has no movable components. Its "mouth" is represented by a slot which was designed to accept coin deposits.
     The pictured inkwell employs a hinged face cover that, when lifted, exposes a glass ink receptacle.
     (Note: Pens were not supplied with the inkwell. Its presence is shown only to demonstrate the novel usage of the outstretched hands of "Barrel With Arms").

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by Sy Schreckinger – ANTIQUE TOY WORLD Magazine – May, 2006

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     Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. NO ORDERS SHIPPED OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.