Cap Guns for Sale

If there is any toy that signifies society has changed, it is cap guns. Gaining popularity after World War II, cap guns were one of the most popular toys. Television heroes consisted of cowboys such as Roy Rogers and the Lone Ranger, and playing with toy cap guns was an innocent pastime. Toy manufacturers realized quickly that there was a large market for little boys who wished to emulate their favorite television heroes and cap guns were manufactured in numerous styles, replicating the realistic guns that they were fashioned after.

Some of the most notable maker of cap guns includes, Nichols Industry, Mattel, Hubley, and the Kilgore Manufacturing Company. It was in the early part of the 1920's when Kilgore began making cap guns, along with kites, cannons, and cast iron vehicles. The company relied heavily upon cap guns, and was able to survive the tumultuous years of the Depression. In fact, it was the Kilgore Manufacturing Company that was the first to switch from making cap guns crafted in cast iron to the revolutionary material, plastic. During these years, from the latter part of the 30's to the 40's the majority of all toy cap guns manufactured were crafted by the Kilgore Manufacturing Company. Cap guns that bear the official Kilgore Manufacturing Company Motto, “Toys that Last” are true collector's items.

Today, cap guns are still manufactured; however they must have a bright orange cap over one end, and are often crafted in a variety of vivid, bright colors. This is to alert police that the gun is merely a toy and not a weapon. However, the cap guns manufactured from the 1930's and forward were designed in a realistic manner. In fact, the sound of the cap after firing was made to mimic the real sound of a pistol and added realism to innocent games of Cowboys and Indians, or Cops and Robbers. There is no doubt that it was the realism of the gun, the sound of the cap firing, and the puff of smoke that ensued afterwards that made these toys popular. The smoke is often composed of Armstrong's Mixture, a combination of elements such as phosphorus, potassium chlorate, sulfur, and calcium carbonate that has been added to the paper strips in cap guns in very small quantities.

Antique cap guns are a highly collectible item, as are their accessories. The guns were often fashioned in both pistol and rifle style and included holsters making them easy to wear and carry. These are highly sought after items and are in hot demand. In addition to cap guns, any vintage or antique toys that have to do with sheriffs, as well as cowboys and Indians are extremely popular collectibles.

When choosing antique and vintage cap guns, it's important to realize that each state has their own rules and regulations regarding these toys. In fact, some states have a ban on cap guns and you will not be able to receive them in the mail. For anyone considering purchasing cap guns through the mail, it is imperative to check with your local state laws to ensure that you are legally allowed to have these.

Collecting cap guns is a rewarding experience. It is a true depiction of how our world has changed since the days when young children could play with toy guns and rifles, loaded with fake bullets and have no fear that their games would be anything but innocent, harmless fun. It is vital to realize, however, that when collecting antique cap guns that the collection is kept as such. Children should not be allowed to play with antique and vintage cap guns as they are extremely realistic looking and could easily be mistaken for real weapons, especially in situations where visibility is dimmed or hindered. An antique cap gun collection must be kept out of the reach of children and stored in a safe manner. If children are going to play with toy cap guns, they should be modern toy cap guns that have been designed for children to play with. By choosing toy guns that are in either clear plastic, or bright, vivid hues you can rest assured that your children will remain safe. In fact, it isn't uncommon to see modern day toy cap guns in pastel pink, so little girls can play as well.

Cap guns are rare and the price for some of the more original and unique sets can range from one to several hundred dollars. As these toys continue to become more difficult to find, their value will continually increase. This is one of the main reasons why cap guns are becoming one of the top collectibles. In fact, it isn't just antique cap guns that can be difficult to find. As society continues to crack down on violence, more stores are choosing not to sell any type of toy gun, except for water pistols.

The realism of antique cap guns might be the cause for safety concerns, but it is also the allure of these toys as collectibles. For example, the antique Black Fanner from Mattel, has a sleek black design with ivory colored handle, while the Nichols Mustang is crafted in chrome with delicate etchings engraved on the barrel. If your child is going to play with replica cap guns, meaning that the toy guns are going to look nearly exactly like the authentic originals, the cap guns must have the orange safety cap, signifying that the gun is in fact a toy.

No matter what type of toy gun your child plays with, it is imperative that all children are instructed in the proper use for playing with guns. They should be taught the difference between real and toy guns and should clearly understand that though they might play with toy rifles, water guns, pistols, and cap guns, they should never touch a real gun. If you feel that your child is not grasping this concept you might find that it is best to keep the toy cap gun collection out of his or her reach until they are more mature and able to understand. Meanwhile, you can continue to collect fantastic toy cap guns to add to your collection.