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.  

Please click here to visit Nathan Forman's fine ebay store

"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

Works of Art as Records of Americana

Tuesday, March 25, 2014
                 (Sunny and Cold)

Works of Arts as 

Records of Americana

   Yesterday, I posted about a few of Nathan Forman's 1930's Hubley Motorcycles. I wqas going to continue with that topic, but when I saw his listings for cast iron banks, I had to change today;s post. The great thing about being a writer and editor of a block is that you can change "the news"mod the day. I'm sure Nathan won't mind.

   Nathan is a successful seller on ebay and I would like to think that his excellent photography is part of this. Of course honest descriptions, handling customer's questions, and fast shipping are part and parcel of being a good businessman. when I returned to revisit Nathan after about 18 months, I was flower (in awe) of his great photography. Not only were his photos technically excellent, but his images were not LARGE, and able to be magnified. Not all sellers take the time or make the effort to present large-sized photos (free now on ebay  or use the magnification feature (I'm not sure if this is free or costs the seller). However, when you look at yesterday's cast iron motorcycles or today's fine cast iron bank, you can see the marvellous work that Nathan has captured with his photography.

   Many of the American cast iron companies started out as household hardware companies that produced door handles, door hinges, locks and so forth. They then started to produce cast iron toys, and also banks. What is interesting is that al of the companies could produce so many different items at this period in American history (1880-1940) and still compete among one another. The banks are interesting because there are so many different models. There is even an American association of cast iron banks that you can visit. I've written about them a long time ago. 

   There are 2 kids of cast iron banks. One is simply a bank whereby one adds money tint a slot. The other is called a mechanical bank. With these, a small lever is cocked  via a spring mechanism. THe coin is placed somewhere and when the lever is releases the coin is projected or "swallowed" in the vault area.A screwdriver  or a key would be needed to remove the screw or open the lock, in order to access the money.

Please click here to visit Nathan Forman's fine ebay store

Description

  Today's presentation is a J & E Stevens "Darktown Battery" Cast Iron Mechanical Bank produced starting in 1888.

"Made of cast iron and measuring 9 3/4" long and 7 1/4" high (248 mm x 148 mm), "Darktown Battery" mechanical bank was manufactured by the J. & E. Steven's Company in Cromwell, Connecticut. This example is in excellent all original condition with no restoration and no touch-up or repaint of any kind. The bank operates as follows: place a coin (penny) on the glove overlapping it a little bit towards, insert the coin, press down the lever in the back of the "catcher"; pitcher throw the coin, catcher moves his hand and head, chest opens, the coin inserts into the chest. Batter lists the bat and moves his head. This is an original bank and not a reproduction!!!!"*

*Description courtesy of Mr. Nathan Forman

  Notice the patina (hand-worn shine) to this fine piece.  A trio of Black-American baseball players are captured forever playing America's national sport. Battery park is in New York, and was originally a fort that was set up in the early colony periods to protect the settlers.

At the time when this item was produced, Black-Americans were called may bad names, and even toys were titled with what today would be considered very racist and derogatory. 

What you see when such great photos are taken is the fine detail and the bold paint colours (lead paint was used at the time). Also the poses, the expressions, and the bend of the batter's arms are all "classic" for baseball. Even the baseball caps are a fine detail of the times (1880's and later).

This particular bank happens to use a key to access the "savings". Notice also the marvellous floral detail at the bottom of this bank.

I like how the throwing arm is enlarged in order to be able to hold the penny.

 Notice the round plate where the catcher's stomach is. That's where the penny would fall into the holding area of the bank.  What's also interesting, is that Nathan had to spend some time in order to both capture the plate, as well as the face of the catcher, so that the batter's arm would not block the face.

Thois photo shows you the opening where the penny would fall into the "vault". What's also interesting is how the catcher's mitt hand (right) was cast into the upper right thigh of the batter, rather than cast separate.

 In this close-up, you can see the spaces between the arms and the shoulders. These are moveable parts that were described in the written description above.

Notice the  upper arm and shoulder spacing again.

The small screw in the back of the batter was used to open and close the 2 halves of the batter. Many cast iron toys were cast in halved (left and right, front and back,or top and bottom). In this case front and back. This would allow the the moving parts to be inserted into the upper torso, then closed with the screw.

Just one final comment - Most cast iron banks would have had to be hand-painted. This particular bank is exemplary in how many different colours were used to paint this marvellous piece. Now if Canada still had pennies, I might buy such a bank. Of course, America still has their penny, of course!

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always, 

have a great part of the day or night, 

wherever you may be,

Stacey.

Please feel free to write to me anytime at:

toysearcher@gmail.com

Nathan Forman's Beautifully Photographed Hubley Motorcycles

Monday, March 24, 2014
            (Very cold and sunny)

Nathan Forman's Beautifully Photographed

Hubley Motorcycles

    I always like to return to people of whom I've written about.  Because  I have already dealt with them, and had originally looked at their items, I know with almost certainty that they again will have nice items to work with. I was on ebay 2 days ago, and saw some very nicely-photographed American banks circa early 1900's. I checked  my ebay e-mails and I had posted about Mr. Nathan Forman. However, I was in a quandary ( a problem that is hard to resolve). Not only did Nathan have beautifully-photographed banks, but also beautifully-photographed  Hubley motorcycles. This was almost as bad as being single and having 2 dates lined up with 2 beautiful women (of course, before I was married).

   I wrote to Nathan  just to say hello, and see how everything was, and we write back and forth. I was happy to see things were fine with Nathan , as he was happy to see that things were fine with me. As for what I would post today, I decided on the motorcycles for today, and a small post tomorrow. On wednesday, I will present the American cast iron banks.  Nathan's ebay  store is toyclaus which you can find by clicking the link below Nathan name (below).

   I couldn't believe that I had last posted about Nathan back in July of 2013 and earlier. What's great about Nathan is that he takes fine photos, and now with ebay allowing 12 photos and with magnification features, his images and detail of the items is even more spectacular. As well, he prefers to photograph on white which to me is a big asset. There is less worry from a foundation or background bouncing colour on to the item, and there are no distractions to take away form the item.

Please click here to visit Nathan Forman's excellent ebay store

You've undoubtedly noticed by now that there are similarities among the 3 different toys above. That's what I 'll be talking about tomorrow.

You  have to look at these motorcycles in Blogger's slide mode in order to see the detail of these toys. What's more, Nathan, kept talking about the patina (the weathered and rubbed effect from handling these toys). When you see the polished effect from children and parents, and I'm sure collectors, you'll have seen just how much everyone wants to handle these toys. There is a fabulous smoothed effect from the years and years of people having played and touched these marvellous toys.

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be.

Stacey

Please feel free to write to me anytime at:

toysearcher@gmail.com