Q:We would be interested to read your opinion about the origin and value of a cast-iron circus wagon that recently was purchased in France. It is marked "Overland Circus" and includes a cast-iron lion. -- M.S.

Answer: Kenton Hardware of Kenton, Ohio, began producing cast-iron toys around 1894. Kenton made many cast-iron horse-drawn vehicles and introduced its Overland Circus line around 1940.

Accounts vary, but Kenton at first made a line of hardware and locks before it began manufacturing toys. The toys manufactured in the 1940s are rather crude. Kenton went out of business in 1952.

This cage wagon with a driver and a lion would retail for about $110. The toys might have been exported to Europe. Kenton cast-iron toys have been reproduced, including the Overland Circus line.

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Q:I would like to know the value of my mahogany Victrola. I inherited it from my grandmother and believe that it dates from around 1927. It is marked Model #VV8-12-1275. It was made by Okulski Bros., Passaic, N.J., and sold by Victor Talking Machine Co., Passaic, N.J. It still plays. -- J.B.

 

Answer: It was manufactured by Victor and retailed by Okulski Bros. According to the serial number, it was made in 1928. These were expensive Victor models selling for around $250, a small fortune in the late 1920s.

Victor Talking Machine was established in 1901 by Eldridge Johnson. Johnson and his team made improvements to the basic phonograph and the company was very successful. Johnson sold out to RCA in 1929.

This machine needs restoration. It would sell for $200 to $250. In restored condition, it would retail for $500.

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