Q:I have a Stevens "49er" toy cap pistol in its original box. The cylinder revolves when the trigger is pulled. It was made by the J.&E. Stevens Co. of Cromwell, Conn. Does it have any value?

A:J.&E. Stevens Co. was founded by John and Elisha Stevens in 1843. The company is best known for its mechanical banks, but it also made cast-iron toys, hammers and hardware. "Firecracker" pistols were first made in 1859, and by 1928 cap pistols were the only toys J.&E. Stevens made. Early models were made of cast iron. The company closed during World War II because iron was scarce. After the war, Stevens made die-cast cap guns. The company was bought by Buckley Brothers in 1950. Cap guns gained popularity after World War II, when there were several TV shows featuring pistol-packing cowboys, cops and robbers and other characters. Your cap gun was probably made in the late 1940s or early 1950s. Since May 5, 1989, any toy gun that's shaped like a real gun and is sold in the United States must be brightly colored or have a bright orange tip over the muzzle. This helps prevent confusion with the real thing and an accidental shooting by a police officer. The only exception to the law is for guns used only in theatrical performances, movies or TV shows. In perfect condition, your cap gun could be worth $360.