Do you picture him wanting to display it? Hang it? This is a black velvet box; I kind of like the easel display.

https://www.amazon.com/OLYCRAFT-Display-Cabinet-Collection-Collectible/dp/B093NT9QJC?th=1

If velvet seems too elegant for a toy gun, they also have it in black leather:

Is there a frame shop near you that can do a museum mount?

I've seen nice shadow boxes at Michaels and hobby lobby that would work well.

There are hinged shadow boxes that open so that you can remove whatever item is displayed. I have one that came with a cloisonne pendant. It's so pretty that I hung it in my closet where I see it, yet I can remove the jewelry if I want to wear it.

I think a deep shadow box makes the most sense. I would want to add something to the background though so the gun doesn't look too stark. Do you have a photo of your great grandfather as a boy? I did also find this patent design from the company in Cromwell, CT that produced these toy guns. It would nice to add some history to the framing as well as emphasize the toy/child aspect of the piece.Toy Gun Patent

I think it is adorable that your grandmother left this toy for your son…and that he is a pistol!!

If you are up for a little DIY, Dick Blick has this shadow box that you have to paint.

https://www.dickblick.com/products/ampersand-gessobord-shadow-boxes/?fromSearch=%2Fsearch%2F%3Fsearchword%3DShadow%20box

I like the shadow box with Teeda's idea, or maybe retro "cowboy and indian" wallpaper or wrapping paper as a background, something that diffuses the "gun" vibe

Here's a display case that's meant for a gun, but I don't see a size listed...

https://www.themilitarygiftstore.com/products/single-pistol-display-case-wall-mount-solid-hardwood-cabinet-gun-holder-walnut-finish

Fwiw I would definitely want to display it in some way that makes clear it is a toy, if only to make sure it is not stolen by some random workman or in a home burglary. Framing it as a toy would also highlight the gift's semtimentality.

You can get a 12" x 16" sample of Bradbury and Bradbury Cowboy's Life 1950s reproduction wallpaper for $5. There are a couple other cowboy themed papers

I used this in a school design project .

https://www.bradbury.com/do/childrens_collection.html

I think the toy might get lost if displayed on a busy background.

I like something like this. Start working on a cute poem about his being a ’pistol’, to include.

From https://www.anthologyfineart.com/antique-gun-custom-shadow-box/

Thanks for the suggestions. I wouldn't have thought of some of them!

It's quite clearly a toy, as it's only about 3 inches long. I like the idea of adding a picture of my great grandfather (if can find one). I will have to verify with my mother that it was indeed his. That's the story that I I remember.

This little gun was always on a shelf in my grandparents' house in the room that had been my mother's, and we loved playing with all the little antique toys in that room.

I like the idea of including a photo - do you have any of your son holding or playing with it?

Or maybe a photo of him and his grandma?

Another idea for a background is a light-colored faux leather — buckskin, tooled leather, etc. Or faux cowhide that isn’t too busy.

Terriks, I should have read more carefully--I didn't realize it was that small. That changes things! I like Jilly's background. I would try to keep the historical background of the gun somewhere--if even on the back.

This discussion is the ideal for a forum: creative, collaborative, positive and fun. Well done all!

I agree with maddielee, you want the gun to be the star of the display, not the background. Simple, classic display like the one she shared, but in a smaller size, and with a photo if you can find one. Obviously, this little gun was a precious keepsake to your Mom, and your son is blessed that she passed it on to him.

I think that I'm going to go with a faux leather background like Jilly posted. I think that the cowboy wallpaper is adorable, but fabric will probably be more economical since I just need such a small piece. When I go to the fabric store I'll also look for a cowboy themed flannel or something.

Now, I just have to find the right box. I'm looking for a glass and metal box with a hinged lid around 4" x 6".

I found this one on Etsy, but with the shipping cost it's really more than I'd like to spend. I have found brass framed ones on the big river store for a lot less. I suppose that I could use some Rub 'n Buff on the metal.

I don't want something that goes on the wall. I'd like for him to be able to easily take the little gun out. And he already has a shelving unit in his office with some collectibles on it.

The big A has them. This one is small but there are other sizes too.

https://www.amazon.com/Hipiwe-Keepsake-Rectangle-Organizer-Decorative/dp/B07ZVHK4RC/ref=sr_1_32?crid=M95AA1N9KI5K&keywords=wooden%2Bdisplay%2Bbox%2Bwith%2Bglass%2Btop%2Bhinged%2Blid&qid=1702241471&sprefix=hinged%2Bglass%2Bdisplay%2Bbox%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-32&th=1

Love the glass box, Terriks!

I want to see it in a vintage lunch box. Is there one earlier then Hopalong Cassidy? with a glass lid?

I finished it. I found some faux cowhide that's small enough scale to work. The glass box is about 4.75" square x 2.25" tall. It was shiny brass so I used a combination of copper and black oil based paint pens to darken it.

That looks awesome, Terri! What a special gift. :)

That's perfect. I'm sure your son will love it!

That turned out great Terriks! What a great gift to your son. : )

Oh well done. Your son is going to be thrilled. I can't tell from the photo but what is the chain in the lower left corner?

The chain keeps the lid from flopping all the way back when it's open.

I'm also enclosing a picture of the original owner of the gun, my great great grandfather.