Antique Cast Iron Kenton Cabriolet Hansom Cab Carriage Toy - Original Figures

Details

Description

For your consideration is a remarkable, premium example of an authentic antique cast iron horse-drawn Cabriolet Hansom Cab carriage toy, … Read more For your consideration is a remarkable, premium example of an authentic antique cast iron horse-drawn Cabriolet Hansom Cab carriage toy, sourced from Marz Auction house. This massive, highly sought-after multi-piece casting is heavily attributed to the legendary Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Co. of Kenton, Ohio (circa 1910 - 1930).

Unlike the crude, rough-surfaced modern reproductions common to the market, this piece showcases the absolute pinnacle of early American toy craftsmanship. The set features a striking royal blue carriage body with vibrant yellow spoked wheels, pulled by a beautifully modeled white galloping horse accented with gold harness highlights.

Importantly, this set remains 100% complete with both correct, original, and removable cast iron figures: the dapper driver seated on the high rear box in his bright red riding suit, and the elegant lady passenger in her yellow coat and green-trimmed bonnet. Both figures lock perfectly into position using their original cast alignment pegs.

Measurements & Weights:
Total Length: Approx. 15.5" (From front of horse to rear of carriage box)
Height: Approx. 6" to the absolute top of the driver’s hat
Horse & Hitch Assembly Weight: 1 lb 9.1 oz
Cab & Passenger Figures Weight: 2 lbs 4.4 oz
Total Combined Desktop Weight: 3 lbs 13.5 oz

Condition Report & Status
Paint & Surface Patina: The original factory enamel paint is extraordinarily vibrant, retaining a magnificent gloss rarely seen on iron of this vintage. Honest, light micro-flaking and micro-chipping are present on the driver's hands, horse hooves, and high-friction contact slots, confirming authentic age and deep, natural historical oxidation underneath.

Structural Damage Note: PLEASE NOTE DAMAGE TO RIGHT REAR WHEEL. The right rear yellow wheel suffered a clean fracture during a recent transit from Marz Auction house. All broken spoked sections and the outer rim piece are included in the sale. It may be possible to source a replacement wheel or simply face the broken wheel side towards a wall, shelf etc..

Important Restorer's Note: Absolutely no amateur gluing, welding, or soldering has been attempted. The broken cast edges remain completely untouched and clean, allowing the winning collector to perform an imperceptible, conservation-grade repair or leave it as-found. All other iron castings, including the horse, front guide wheels, hitch, main carriage body, and both figures are completely sound with no other cracks, chips, or hidden repairs.

Authenticity Assessment
This piece features benchmark markers of turn-of-the-century factory production that verify its authenticity unequivocally:

The Axle Construction: The wheels are anchored by authentic, heavy, hot-peened iron flush axles. The ends were mechanically compressed and flattened under factory pressure—a feature impossible to replicate neatly in modern replica molds.

Micro-Rivet Details: The removable driver and lady passenger figures are held together by tiny, flush-set structural rivets with perfect seam alignment. Additionally, the horse's head features the correct, tiny precision structural rivet securing the bit.

Casting Smoothness & Tolerances: The horse exhibits an incredibly smooth, tumbled, and hand-filed factory finish with zero modern sand-grain texturing. The roof centerline of the carriage displays a razor-thin, airtight casting seam line characteristic of Kenton's finest original tool-and-die molds. See less