Q: I have a toy metal drum major that was given to my brother about 75 years ago. On the back it says “No. 27 Drum Major, Made by Wolverine Supply & Mfg. Co., Pittsburgh, Pa.” Is this toy worth anything?

A: Yes. Several versions of your toy, with the drum major’s jacket in different colors, were made by the Wolverine Supply and Manufacturing Co. Wind up the boy and he beats his drum. The patent for the drummer boy was granted to Howard N. Barnum of Cleveland. He assigned the patent to Wolverine in 1932. Wolverine was founded in Pittsburgh in 1903. It became a subsidiary of Span Industries in the late 1950s, and its name was changed to Today’s Kids in the 1970s. The company is no longer in business. The value of your drummer boy depends on its condition and the color of the jacket. Auction prices range from $40 to $125.

 

 

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