Details
Description
Up for sale is an antique 3-piece cast iron miniature floor train set manufactured by the Kilgore Manufacturing Company (Westerville, …
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Up for sale is an antique 3-piece cast iron miniature floor train set manufactured by the Kilgore Manufacturing Company (Westerville, Ohio) circa late 1920s to early 1930s. This classic "Billy Boy" era set features a 4-4-2 steam locomotive engine, an open coal tender, and a matching passenger/observation car.
All three pieces retain their original factory orange painted finish with visible aged patina, dark surface oxidation on bare metal areas, and minor red accent highlights inside the coal tender. The wheels are original steel disk/spoked wheels mounted on solid steel axles with peened ends.
Historical Provenance & Design Significance: Produced by the Kilgore Manufacturing Company during the golden age of American cast iron toy manufacturing (circa 1925–1935), this miniature floor train exemplifies early 20th-century American industrial design. The architectural detailing of the open passenger windows and riveted locomotive body reflects the steam-era transport aesthetic popularized across North America.
Curator's Note: Featuring a charming orange palette with a gently distressed original patina, this three-piece antique cast iron train set serves as an ideal accent for rustic bookshelves, executive desk vignettes, or curated Americana tabletop displays.
Item Specifics:
Origin: Westerville, Ohio, USA
Manufacturer: Kilgore Manufacturing Co.
Age: Circa 1925–1935
Material: Sand-cast iron with steel axles/wheels
Dimensions: Locomotive & Passenger Car (~8" combined length); Locomotive & Coal Tender (~6" combined length); Height approx. 1.5"
Weight: 12 oz total (all 3 pieces combined)
Reference
Book Title: Cast Iron Toys
Author: Myra Yellin Outwater & Linda Gross
Reference Details: See Section on Kilgore Manufacturing Company Floor Trains & Miniature Vehicle Sets (pp. 112–118).
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- Dimensions
- 8ʺW × 1ʺD × 1.5ʺH
- Styles
- Early American
- Period
- 1920s
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Cast Iron
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Orange
- Condition Notes
- Good original antique condition. Paint loss, chipping, and surface oxidation consistent with age and play use. Castings are structurally sound … moreGood original antique condition. Paint loss, chipping, and surface oxidation consistent with age and play use. Castings are structurally sound with no cracks, fractures, or weld repairs observed. Original wheels roll freely. less
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Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.