Antique toy guns are one of the hottest collectibles among antique toy enthusiasts. Antique toy guns are in high demand and this demand far exceeds the available products. Currently, the most popular with collectors are antique toy guns from the Baby Boomer era of 1940-1965. Toy guns have been in mass production since the end of the Civil War. After the Civil War, many shotgun manufacturers converted their companies to make toys. They began the mass production of the cap gun around this time.
Cap guns were made of wood, iron and lead and the designs were animated and fun. In 1886 the first BB gun was created. This caused quite a stir among parents who were concerned with the moving parts and actual projectiles these guns produced. The BB gun was a descendant of the cap gun. At this time penny pistols and other legitimate looking toy guns were created. It was not until the 20th century though, that toy guns became lifelike representations made of wood, cast iron and plastic.
The first Toy Fair was held by the Toy Fair Chamber of Commerce in 1903. The Toy Manufacturers of America took over the management of this event in 1916 and it has been held ever since, with the exception of 1945 - due to World War II. On January 7th, 1929 another chapter of toy guns would begin. On this day the cartoon strip, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, debuted. Characters like “Buck Rogers” and “Flash Gordon” would popularize the ray gun that was first manufactured in the 1930’s. These Ray Guns were typically made from diecast metal and aluminum. Later models were made from lighter materials such as tin and plastic.
A few decades later it would be the American infatuation with Cowboys and westerns that would capture the imaginations of children. With the huge popularity of characters such as Hopalong Cassidy and the Lone Ranger toy replicas of the Colt .45 revolvers and Winchester Rifles became the hottest toys. 331 Regardless of whether you are looking for a cap gun or a Ray Gun, Antique toy guns are one of the hottest commodities among collectors.
