#Middlebury #Antiques
Buses were used for transportation as early as the 1820s, long before the modern motor was invented. They had horse-power – live horses pulled the bus. By the 1830s, buses were powered by steam, and in 1882, the first electric bus was introduced.
But the toy bus made after 1895 often resembled tourist buses used in a few large cities. It had a motor. The tourist bus had seats inside and out; if the weather was nice, riders could climb the stairs to go up to the top seats where tall buildings could be admired. There was no cover for the top.
This toy tourist bus was made about 1910 by the Kenton Hardware Co. in Ohio. Not all of the passengers are original, but suitable replacements had been found. It is a rare toy, so rare it auctioned for just over $1,000. (Kovels photo)
The Kenton Hardware Co in Kenton, Ohio, made many small cast iron household items such as bookends, doorstops, small figures, ashtrays, cooking utensils and toys. A double-decker tourist bus was made in about 1900, followed by a second version in 1910. An orange one sold for $1,020 at a Bertoia auction despite seven replacement figures with old paint. Many old iron toys have been copied; original toys should have a smooth, not bumpy, bottom. The seams between the molded parts must be tight and jointed with slotted screws. And most old toys have the maker’s name impressed in the mold.
Q: Is there any way to test to see if an item is made of resin, bone or plastic?
A: Bone and resin are natural products. Bone has small black or brown pock marks called “marrow flecks.” It’s heavier than resin or plastic. Resin is an organic material made from plants and trees. It may have some tiny bubbles in it. Plastic is a synthetic material and is harder than resin. Although a resin figurine is heavier than the same figurine in plastic, it is not as durable and is more likely to chip or crack if dropped.
Current Prices
Fiesta, sugar & creamer, shaped tray with tab handles, periwinkle blue, concentric rings at neck, sugar has lid with tapered finial, post-1986, tray 10 inches, $40.
Doorstop, dog, Spaniel, seated, column & star decoration around base, pottery, Rockingham glaze, East Liverpool, Ohio, 1800s, 11 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches, $375.
Sampler, alphabets, birds, flowers, Victorine Leonore Bonnegent, December 9, 1800, Bernay, Parish School of Sewing, August 12, 1808, silk & cotton on linen, frame, France, 12 x 13 inches, $1,065.
Poster, Beatles concert, Candlestick Park, Aug. 29, 1966, Here Come the Beatles, psychedelic design, yin yang circle with U.S. & British flags, Wes Wilson, paper, 24 x 17 inches, $7,190.
TIP: Don’t drag heavy furniture. Get some slider disks ahead of time and be ready when they are needed. The disks can be found at most hardware or big box stores.
Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles 2022 Price Guide is the ONLY antiques price guide that empowers collectors with the most up-to-date price information based on actual sales and market data. Available in stores and online, it also makes a great gift.
© 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.
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