FREE SHIPPING -- This 1910 Cast Iron Baby Buggy shows rare workmanship from either Kilgore or Hubley Toys. Unmarked, the toy doll carriage is from the time span for "hands-on" toys, where a young child could actually go outside and play for hours at a time. The elegant but simple design of these toys reflects a time when people made and finished toys by hand.
The all black perambulator features rolling wheels and a flip top sun bonnet. Measuring 4.75" tall by 4.25" long by 4.75" wide, the interior offered a safe haven for a small doll (up to a 3.5”).
Since the carriage is unmarked, we can only guess as to the manufacturer. However, research narrows the maker down to either Kilgore or Hubley, both known toy makers of the time. The Kilgore Manufacturing Company originated in Westerville, OH. Other Kilgore toys included the popular cap guns, cannons, banks, and fire trucks. The company eventually moved to Toone, TN, and remained in business until 1985.
The Hubley Manufacturing Company began making toys in 1909 in Lancaster, PA. Made of cast-iron, toys ranged from horse-drawn vehicles and different breeds of dogs, to tractors, steam shovels and guns. Early toys were known for their complexity. Hubley's casting process involved several steps. First, metalworkers carved a wood form, or hammered out the basic design in metal. Next, they pressed this form into finely compacted sand, creating an impression for molding. The liquid cast iron which had been heated to 3000 degrees, was poured into the sand mold. When cooled, the form would pop out. Rough edges were filed away and the mold was ready for mass production casting.
Our antique carriage is in very good condition with no deals cracks. The four wheels roll smoothly. The bonnet has a couple of discolorations, which we did not attempt to remove (photo #5).
Lucky the 1910 doll who gets a walk in the garden in this carriage!
Product code: 1910 Antique Cast Iron Doll Baby Buggy/Hubley or deals Kilgore