Cast Iron Cap Pistol
83.47
Title
Kilgore Cast Iron Cap PistolCreation Date
1917 – 1929Materials
Dimensions
3 in W x 4.75 in L
Maker's Mark
Kilgore Manufacturing CompanyDescription
A Kilgore Cast Iron cap pistol made by the Kilgore Manufacturing company. The toy is in the style of an M1911 Pistol with “Dough Boy” etched on the barrel and a Kilgore Logo on the handle. Dough boy was a common term for a World War One (WWI) American soldier.
The Kilgore Manufacturing company was founded by Joseph D. Kilgore in 1912 and started manufacturing cap pistol and was later incorporated in 1917. By the late 20’s Gilgore their products included airplanes automobile banks, boats, cannons, cap guns, fire trucks, motorcycles, trucks, and other assorted vehicles. They also made cast iron doll furniture in the 1930’s and 40’s. During World War II, Kilgore became a leading supplier of munitions and pyrotechnic devices. By the 1950s, Kilgore was the largest producer of toy cap guns and caps. The annual production of its 12 models exceeded one million units. Kilgore also introduced the use of Bakelite and other plastics. Plastic squirt guns were added to the line. The company would continue to make cap guns until around 1985 and caps until 1991.