Having “good references” is a very small part of being a knowledgable collector. Most collectors are not willing to spend the money for the references necessary to constitute a complete cast iron toy reference library. But it is essential to become a knowledgeable collector. Here are a few good references:

1. The Gottschalk book, which was the FIRST fairly complete book about cast iron automotive toys, although it has some toys misidentified.

2. The jobber catalogs from the manufacturers are also excellent sources of information, and fairly inexpensive xerox copies of them are available.

3. Catalogs from the major auction houses are a great source of information, however, some of them are more interested in selling the toys than they are in providing correct identification, so beware.

4. Bob Saylor’s book on Kenton toys, the most comprehensive listing that has ever been done for Kenton. A little hard to navigate, but chock full of useful information.

5. Arcade Toys – Al Aune – a great reference on Arcade cast iron toys. The best out there. However, these books are getting hard to find, and the last one I saw went for a lot of dollars.

6. Antique Cast Iron Automotive Toys by: Yellin & Outwater – a good book with a lot of pictures

7. The Golden Age of Automotive Toys – 1925-1941, Ken Hutchison, Greg Johnson – has a nice section on cast iron cars and trucks.

8. And there are internet sources:

a. This website; click on previously sold toys. Lots of pictures and descriptions. And check out each of the categories listed to the right.

b. Current and past auctions records on the ‘net. Julia has a searchable archive, as does Live Auctioneers. And of course, eBay completed listings.

6. There are lots of other “minor” references; one example is the two volumes done by Ernie Long, with line drawings taken from the original manufacturers catalogs.

But having said all that, the best way to become well informed about automotive cast iron toys is to actually SEE them, and HANDLE them, and pay attention to HOW THEY ARE CONSTRUCTED. There is a lot that can be learned from carefully examining a toy:

1. Learn how different manufacturers used different peens on the ends of the wheel axles (Hubley and AC Williams used a flat squashed end on some of their other toys, then switched to other methods later. The Dent peen was with a hammer that gave a “meat tenderizer” look.

2. Learn how the toys are put together, AC Williams and Arcade used shift lock tabs on the inside of the body halves to align them; Hubley and Dent did not. Most manufacturers riveted the body halves together, however, seeing a toy screwed together does not necessarily mean that it is not authentic; AC Williams used flat head screws on a few of their early toys. Other than that, most toys that are screwed together are recent reproductions.

3. Learn how toys are signed: Hubley put their name in raised letters on many toys, but just as many are without a signature. Arcade put their name in ALL of their toys, except for three that were made in 1932. Dent NEVER signed a toy, but the casting numbers inside the toys matched the number listed in their catalogs. Likewise, AC Williams did not sign their toys. Etc, etc, etc.

4. This is just a sampling of things to look for. There is a lot to learn and if a new collector is not willing to do that then, buyer beware!

OK, so how does one find toys to examine first hand? Shows are one place, auction previews are another, but the BEST answer is to find a fellow collector who is willing to share his knowledge. Most collectors are more than willing to help someone who is just getting started.

When you think of Lionel Standard Gauge Trains – this is the set that comes to mind. This is the rare “Blue Comet” Set No. 396E, the earliest version from 1930. It consists of the famed 390E cream striped Steam Locomotive, with its 390T Tender. The set pulls (3) Lionel standard gauge passenger cars – the No. 420 Pullman “Faye”, the No. 421 Pullman “Westphal”, and the No. 422 Observation “Tempel”. The cars are rare, having the painted dark blue vestibules. Lionel has at least 11 variations of the Standard Gauge Blue Comet Sets. The earliest versions have the 390E Engine. The middle Sets had the copper trimmed 400E and the later versions included the nickeled 400E. Minor variations exist on all the engines.

Here is a wonderful Arcade cast iron Model A Car Carrier from 1928. Includes (4) Arcade Model A Fords, each 5″ long. Total length of this large toy is 24-1/2″ long. All the wheels on both the car carrier and cars are original white rubber tires. This is one of the few examples of this toy that exist. CLICK HERE to see more.

In my opinion, the Lionel 700E Scale Locomotive is the ultimate in Lionel prewar “O” gauge Trains. Mention the New York Central Railroad’s “Hudson” locomotive 5344, and most collectors think of this train. Here is the 1937 version of the Lionel No. 700E Locomotive with its 700W Tender. Tell me what you think about this beautiful train.