Ca.1890 RANGER ORNATE IRON TOY CAP PISTOL, BY IVES OR STEVENS, EXTREMELY RARE

Description

Original circa 1890 extremely rare "Ranger" iron toy cap pistol. Based on comparisons we have made with other designs of cap pistols by known makers, we would think that this iron toy was possibly made by the J. E. Stevens Toy Company of Cromwell, Conn. circa 1870's-1880's. The first Charles Best Cap Pistol book 1973 edition has no listing for this extremely rare cap pistol. This cap pistol is listed in the second cap pistol book 1990 edition by Samuel Logan & Charles Best. This version of the "Ranger" cap pistol is listed in the second book on page 120 item # R3.3 with the notation probable Ives & the date 1890. This cap pistol has a four star rarity rating in the book with five stars being the highest rating given in the book.
So, we have put the opinion presented in the Best and Logan cap pistol book in the title. In over 50 years of actively searching for rare & interesting toy cap pistols we have only seen the example we are offering, the example pictured in the second cap pistol book, & one other example of this extremely rare version of the "Ranger" cap pistol. This beautifully made & ornate toy cap pistol measures 4 1/8 inches long. The weight is 3.1 ounces.
The toy has an overall dark, rich, pleasing patina from natural age & use. A considerable amount of the original dark transparent finish is present & is intermingled with some areas of wear. There is some minor rust from caps popping on the hammer & in the area that they exploded. There are no cracks, no chips, & no repairs. The hammer & trigger are in sound operational condition. The toy is complete & has never been taken apart or tampered with in any way. All components including the rivets are original & no components are replaced. The hammer catches smoothly as made & operates perfectly.
Please examine the photos closely & purchase based on your own judgement as to condition & value.
This item is inventory #8130.
Shipping is free to addresses in the U.S. & this item is only being offered for sale to addresses in the U.S.
NOTE: In compliance with eBay rules this antique TOY cap pistol has been plugged with a blaze orange plug. This replica gun contains the colored markings required by law, including a permanently attached orange plug. This antique TOY cap pistol was NOT made to fire a projectile & it CANNOT be altered to fire bullets, or ammunition, or lethal projectiles of any kind. This antique TOY cap pistol is located in the United States & it will only be sold to residents of the United States & shipped to addresses in the United States. This antique TOY cap pistol can only be sold to buyers above the age of 18. All of the pictures in this listing have been taken & uploaded by me & are NOT stock photos. This antique TOY cap pistol is shown as a whole in its entirety in several different views. We have carefully adhered to all eBay requirements in listing this item.