Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Beautiful Colours of Cast Iron Mechanical Banks

Saturday, April 5, 2014
        (Cloudy, windy, and cool)


The Beautiful Colours of
Cast Iron Mechanical Banks

    I recently wrote one of Nathan Forman's  beautiful banks, as well as some fine cast iron motorcycles. However, I didn't have the time to add more to the post about the mechanical banks. Most of the major American cast iron toy companies initially produced cast iron house accessories such as door knobs and hinges. However, they also product beautiful door rests and mechanical banks. If you do a search anywhere on the Net, Liveauctioneers, ebay, or specifically at any of the auctioneers that I regularly write about, you will see lots and lots of beautiful mechanical banks. There's even an American group or club on the Net specifically dedicated to this banks.  



"Made in many color combinations and designed by Russell Frisbie, the Frog on Round Base mechanical bank was patented on August 20, 1872 and manufactured by J. & E. Stevens Company. This wonderfully decorated example features a green frog perched atop red and white base and retains an unusually high percentage of original paint, making it highly desirable to mechanical bank collectors. Measuring approximately 4 1/4" X 4 3/8", this lovely antique mechanical bank has no breaks or repairs and would make an outstanding addition to any collection of early mechanical banks or antique toys.  TOTALLY ORIGINAL.  NOT A REPRODUCTION!!"

Description Courtesy of Mr. Nathan Forman*

1872 J & E STEVENS FROG IN ROUND BASE CAST IRON MECHANICAL BANK 
Size:  4 1/4"(Height) x 4 3/8"(Diameter)
108 mm x 112 mm









Has been professionally touched up.  The bank depicts an Irishman (Paddy) holding a pig between his legs, while the pig knocks a penny off of his snout into the mouth of Paddy. Made of cast iron, and measuring 7 3/16" long, "Paddy and the Pig" mechanical bank was manufactured by the J. & E. Steven's Company in Cromwell, Connecticut. This RARE example is in excellent condition. It also has the original leg on the pig, which is of particular significance since it is often replaced due to the rough action and handling. The bank operates as follows:place a coin (penny) on the snout of the pig overlapping it a little bit towards his kicking foot; press down on the lever in the back of "Paddy"; "Paddy" opens his mouth, rolls his eyes and sticks out his tongue as the pig kicks the coin into the opening of his mouth.  THIS IS AN ORIGINAL BANK....NOT A REPRODUCTION!!!!

Description Courtesy of Mr. Nathan Forman*

1886 J & E STEVENS "PADDY & THE PIG" CAST IRON MECHANICAL BANK 
Size:  8"(Height) x 7 3/16"(Length)
203 mm x 183 mm















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