Bertoia Auctions Upcoming Mechanical Banks

Saturday, October 15,2016
Cloudy with Sunny Periods
14 Celsius / 57 Fahrenheit

Bertoia Auctions 

Upcoming Mechanical Banks

I had already written about the November 11-13. 2016 Bertoia auction, but I decided to return and add a few very interesting mechanical cast iron banks to a new post. From the 18780's-1920's mechanical banks were made by all of the cast iron toy companies. Each company produced different banks for the marketplace. The concept of saving was important  to learn, and in those days, a penny was actually worth something and could purchase something. Sadly today, our Canadian penny has been removed from circulation. Prices are rounded down or up, depending whether the price of an item for example is $ 1.32 o3 $ 1.33. The $ 1.32 price will go down to $ 1.30, while the $ 1.33 price will  rise to $ 1.35.  I miss our  penny but that's progress, or is it?

An interesting place to visit is the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America website. Their website is a cornucopia of information about all kinds of cast iron mechanical banks, for those who want more information about these unique American toys.

Please click here to visit this most-interesting website

Mechanical banks were made from cast iron, and most of the toy companies who also manufactured cast iron hardware for homes, also made cast iron toys. Examples of home hardware could include locks and latches, and door handles, just to name a few examples. However, toys and mechanical banks were a very important part of this industry, and helped these companies make good profits in the era of cast iron toys.

Over the years since I have been writing about toys, I have had the honour and pleasure to write about Bertoia Auctions. If you go to their website, and look through their past auctions, then do a search for "mechanical banks", you will literally see hundreds of these  fine toys. Today, these items are no longer made, but are reproduced from countries like China. As such, beware of "fakes', or more politely-speaking "reproductions". You should always consult an antiques dealer, or more-specifically an antique toy dealer for authentication of any mechanical bank that you think is an antique and you might be interested in buying. You can find "reproductions" of cast iron banks in some hardware stores, and  smaller general stores. However you will find the selections very limited. These "knockoffs", are made for profit, so any labour-intensive mechanical bank will not be found found!  I've even purchase a "knockoff" for approximately $ 25.00 Canadian. It looks and feels like the real thing but of course it's a "fake"!

Above:

Acrobat Mechanical Bank

Hard to find in any condition, J&E Stevens Co., Cromwell CT, cast iron, patented 1883 Stunning action, circus theme employed in a mechanical bank, extremely hard to find in better paint grades, very colorfully done, designer Edward Norris was noted for exceptional craft for such as this bank, lock gymnast in place and press the lever which causes him to kick clown and stand on his head, pushing coin into slot. All original, no cracks, painted in (VG Cond.)

Estimate: $ 1800-$ 2500.00 USD

Above:

Multiplying Mechanical Bank

J. & E. Stevens Co., circa 1890’s, cast iron with internal mirrors that make coins look as if they magically multiplied, very popular bank, this one in a red, white and blue painted version. (Exc. Cond.)

Estimate: 2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD

Above:

Mamie and Spoon Mechanical Bank

Beige dress version, Kyser & Rex Mfg., circa 1884, place coin in slot at the knee of mammy’s apron and press the lever, mammy lowers her spoon as if feeding the baby and her head lowers, the baby’s legs rise and the coin falls into the bank. The coin may also be deposited directly into the baby’s mouth. Spoon replaced, (VG Cond.)

Estimate: 2,250.00 - 3,250.00 USD

Above:

PANORAMA MECHANICAL BANK

J. & E. Stevens Co., Patented 1876, green and red painted version, a very desirable building bank with an added twist, it has a revolving picture roll at window which changes after each coin deposit. (VG Cond.) Estimate: 4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD

Above:

Calamity Football Mechanical Bank

J. & E. Stevens Co., Philadelphia, Patented 1904, cast iron and hand painted in red sleeve ball carrier version, certainly one of the most popular banks and always a surprise to see how they survived with such action. Players appear to tackle the ball carrier when lever is pressed and coin is deposited into very ornate embossed playing field. Original paint slightly faded, overall (VG Cond.) for hard to find original bank.

Estimate: 8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD

As you can see from the "authentic" mechanical banks, they are certainly not inexpensive. As such, you do not want to spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars for  "fakes". So as the expression goes - "buyer beware".  If you have the money, then always go to a reputable  antiques dealer or a reputable antique toy dealer.

Thanks for dropping by,

and as always,

have a great part of the day or night,

wherever you may be.

Stacey Bindman

toysearcher@gmail.com

You Can Bank On It!

Friday, January 31,2014
             (Cloudy and Mild)

You Can Bank On It!

   I'm quite fortunate to have such great resources as Morphy Auctions.  With their many auctions throughout the year, I can periodically visit their website and see what will be up for auction. When I went there today, I set the search condition for bidding from highest to lowest, and found 4 cast iron mechanical banks. So far, in writing about toys, I've seen seen just one of the four bans below (the lady feeding her baby), so it's always great to be able to add new material to a post.

  Once upon a time, mechanical banks were quite popular, and many people had them. A mechanical bank is one whereby you cock a movement and set the trigger. You then place a coin on some part of the mechanism that will move the coin into a hole and deposit the coin into the storage area of the bank. Mechanical banks are very collectible items, and there is even an antique mechanical bank association dedicated to their discussion and presentation of the thousands of different designs and many companies that manufactured these in the USA.

 Please click here to visit Morphy Auction's fine website

 J & E Stevens Co., Designed by James H. Bowen, Circa 1907. "To operate bring figures with upraised hand half way round to position. Place coin in slot and press lever. Minor touch up at screw on the back of the clown. This bank possibly finest example known.
Condition (Near Mint Plus). Size 8" L.*

* Description Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Length: 203mm

Grey Unknown Manufacturer, Designed by Samuel Clark, Brooklyn, New York, Patented 3/20/1877. "Pull back the ring until the rod is held in position by the lever. Tip the Bank, lay the coin on the target and drop the shot in the cannon. The shot generally follows the coin into the bank and escapes out the perforated bottom. The coin placed in the position forms the target. The ball projected by a spring strikes the coin placed in position forms the target. The ball projected by a spring strikes the coin with sufficient force to carry it into the bank. A percussion wafer can be used to add to the amusement, and will encourage saving money." Tiny area of touch up to the strips on the bottom left of flag. This bank possibly finest example known.
Condition (Near Mint Plus). Size 7 - 1/4" L.*

* Description Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Length: 184mm

Grey, J & E Stevens Co., Designed by James H. Bowen, Patented 4/21/1891. "Place a coin in front of the mouse over the cat. Press the lever, and as the coin disappears into the bank, the kitten, in fancy dress, appears, turning a somersault, holding the mouse and ball." Minor crack on base. This is a beautiful example. One of the best examples known.
Condition (Near Mint) Plus. Size 11 - 1/2" T.*

* Description Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Length: 317mm

(Light Brown-Rare). Kyser and Rex Co., by Alfred C. Rex, Patented 10/21/1884. "Place a coin n the slot on the mammy's apron and baby, her head lowers, the baby's legs rise, and the coin falls into the bank. The coin may also be deposited directly into the bank by placing it into the baby's mouth. (Resting the coin on spoon does not cause it to fall into the baby's mouth when the is operated.)" The spoon and trap 100% original.
Condition (Near Mint). Size 7 - 3/4" T.*

* Description Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

Length: 197mm

   When I first saw these mechanical banks, I thought that they were larger, but they aren't. I have a"reproduction" bank  and it's also small. However it can probably hold 200 nickels, dimes, and quarters. We don't have pennies anymore in Canada since the government decided they were too expensive to produce, and nobody (I did) wanted them. I still have pennies all over the house, and perhaps I should keep them in my bank!  I wonder what will happen to all of the expressions with the word penny in them?

A Penny for Your Thoughts?

Thanks for visiting,

and have a great part of the day,

wherever you may be.

Stacey

you can write to me anytime at toysearcher@gmail.com

By Far, Not Your Ordinary "Toy" or Seller

Thursday, November 7, 2013

By Far,

Not Your Ordinary "Toy" or Seller

   I'm sure that I've attracted many people to this post just from the title, but  I'm  not doing it for that reason.  I'm doing it because both today's subject and seller are both extraordinary, in the most positive ways that I can honestly write this.

  I was on ebay a few days ago,when a toy car caught my eye. It was painted a bright colour and was from the 1940's. It wasn't the most exotic, nor was it the most interesting, but it caught my eye. And when I went to look further, I got the biggest surprise! It wasn't "really" a toy, but a bank. And the bank company that manufactured this bank had been around in the USA for a very long time, and had made theses banks in large numbers for banks, for car dealerships,and of course, for parents and children alike. And the name of the company was Banthrico. I'm assuming that the name was an abbreviation for Bank Thrift Company, but if not, that's how I remember both the name, and how to spell Banthrico. 

  I naturally did my "usual, usual" and contacted the seller. I waited a few days, as I know by now that not everyone is going to read their e-mails right away and write to me. The world does not revolve around me and my blog. A few days later, I get a nice reply, with lots of information to write for about Banthrico, from Mr. Bob Weinzierl. I've misspelled his last name so often, that I now know it by heart. I kept adding an extra letter i in his family name, and only realized this when I magnified the copyright notice after having adding that to all the images. But it was worth it to have to replace all the copyright notices, and I will remember Bob Weinzierl's last name for his kindness in writing so much, about his passion for these banks, as well as his thorough care in both taking photographs and in listing these fine items.

Please click here to redirect to Bob's Home Page on ebay

In Bob's Own Words

"Hi, you contacted me about restorations of the Banthrico banks and National product cars and trucks.  I am not a true expert, though I have learned a lot about their history over the past 10 years that I have been restoring these cars and trucks.  My interest began about 10 years ago, after I began seeing these diecast banks and promos listed on EBay.  As a child I had a love for building the AMT plastic model kits. I was fascinated with these metal promos and decided to buy one.  My first metal car was a National Products 1949 Nash Ambassador that I purchased to restore because my Dad always drove Nashes.  I still have that car on display.  Then I painted a 1950 Dodge Coronet in the same light gray as the one I first drove when I was 16. From then on I would search for and purchase different Banthrico and National Product models to paint.  Most were well played with with paint long since chipped off as well as a wheel or two missing. At first I used paint stripper but then found that the paint was easily removed with a wire polishing wheel which also brought the metal back to a bright shine.  I began Googling the paint charts from the cars and models of each year I was working on.  I then tried to find a match with common auto touch up spray paint lacquer from Duplicolor or Plasticoat.  It has since become a labor of love to bring these 60 year old promo cars and trucks back to their original look...if not better and more detailed.  I use mostly lacquer paint because it is easy to remove over spray with lacquer thinner.  In the first few years I would paint the windows and bumpers silver but later found that the polished metal windows and trim looked more original that the painted versions.

     Over the years it became obvious what cars were more sought after by collectors.  The 1947 through 1950 National Products cars were not banks but the first real dealer promos.  It is also interesting that National products was contracted by Studebaker to make a replica of the Giant Worlds fair Studebaker in 1934.  I have restored one of these and they are really one of the earliest promos. The Early Mercury's , Lincolns and Desoto's are rare and command a higher price. The 1947 Chevy and Pontiac likewise are hard to find.  As for the Banthricos the Kaiser Fraser is the pick of collectors and is valuable.

     Again I enjoy bringing these cars back to life and if I can salvage them from the trash heap it's worth the effort.  I really don't make much profit on most of the cars that I paint.  I do have some collector friends that I restore cars for.  One in particular lives in Tampa and collects only 1949 and 1950 Chevy Banthrico and National product cars.

If you have any questions or need any more information please let me know. "

Bob Weinzierl

"The keys came with the banks and were often lost over the years.  As far as I can tell the keys were all the same.  so if you had one key it would open any of the older banks from the 50's.  There may be a few variations but most are the same and often come up on EBay for sale.  The locking mechanism is fairly simple but did keep money secure.  

   ebay of course sells extra keys. I was reading somewhere where kids and people would lose their keys, and some of them being very impatient to get at their "savings" would destroy the banks in the process. 

Banthico also used a patented screw to keep the base plate on that is beveled and very difficult to remove with a common screw driver.  I have included a photo of one.  There were usually 6 screws like tis in every bank.  Notice that the right side is tapered so that if you try to remove the screw the screwdriver slips off due to the curve.  I have found that if you push down very hard on the screw it will slowly turn out after many slips.  Putting it back in (righty tighty) is easy because it is a common screw head in that direction. one other note.  In 1949 and 1950 Banthrico used rivets to hold the base plate on.  these were not banks but true promos.  The rivets have to be drilled out to remove base plate.  These also used short independent axles that fit in a band or clip.  It was a good design but eventually Banthrico went to straight wheels and axles.

You can see how much time and effort that Bob put into the photography. I'm assuming that he wasn't happy with how the colour weren't quite coming out in the first set of photos, so he redid the photography. Now that's dedication!

   Bob also ave me a flashback to my first car. My first teaching job required me to drive about 30 minutes on the highway. As a result, my parents bought me a car - a 1969 Dodge Coronet.  It wasn't the most glamorous car at the time, but you get to just love your cars anyway. I kept that car for about 10 years, and removed the Coronet side die cast metal logo when I scrapped the car" for a terrible Honda Civic, which I kept for 18 months!

    Of course, I'll be trying to do a post on 1969 Dodge Coronet toys, if you can find them - being somewhat not the most popular or best selling cars of that time!

Also one other piece of information on original Banthricos and restored models.  The originals are more sought after even with major paint loss.  The original paint used on these models was expertly applied for that era.  It was one coat, though, and very thin.  After the car was handled even carefully the paint would likely begin to chip.  That is why an original with 90% or more of its paint (and the lettering of the car dealer or bank that was added to the roof) are so valuable.  these cars were likely never removed from the box and have survived through the years.

     The models that I restore look better than originals sometimes but true collectors want the unrestored models even with the paint loss.  I have included a photo of an original 1950 Dodge that shows nearly all original paint as well as the rivets.

Let me know if you have any further questions and I can try to add anything I can to the blog. " 

thanks

Bob

  I would certainly like to thank Bob for letting me use his photos, and of course, for writing such an extensive narrative about these fine collectibles. Having 4 tires that spin can certainly enter them into the "toy category", and I'm sure lots of kids did ion fact play with them.

Thanks for dropping by,

and have a great part of the day,

wherever you may be.

write to me anytime at:

toysearcher@gmail.com

Dallas Auction Gallery - Antique Mechanical Banks

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Dallas Auction Gallery

Antique Mechanical Banks

   While I was writing my post this week about Opamerica's Mechanical Banks, I had already sent an e-mail to another seller - Dallas Auction Gallery. I had visited Liveauctioneers earlier in the week to search out a topic, and I decided to write again about mechanical banks.

   For those who don't know, there are 2 types of antique toy banks that normally are mentioned . A still bank is one that simply has a slot to which money is added and collected. Of course, it's design can be an animal, or human character, or even a building. A mechanical bank also has a similar design in terms of how it looks, however it has  a series of movements that allows it to take the coin, go through a one or more movements, and then the coin"disappears" into the vault part of the bank. 

    Most of the time, most auctioneers or sellers will present a few photos and add an explanation as to what mechanical series of movements will allow for the coin to be deposited into the "vault"  or collection portion of the bank. However, most of the time, there are photos only. Also, it's much more difficult to explanation by wring about the mechanics.

     What initially caught my eye about Dallas Auction Gallery was their  fine photography. However,when I clicked on the first icon image of their mechanical banks, I was surprised to see 8 other photos.  What they had done is not only present the item from many its' any different sides, but they also presented the movement  in a series of photos that showed the viewer how the toy "performed".  So now, myself,and everyone else, could actually understand the movements of some of the harder-to-understand banks!

Please click on this sentence to be redirected to the Dallas Auction Gallery's fine website

"ABOUT THE GALLERY

Dallas Auction Gallery, founded in 2002 by the Shuford family of Dallas, has developed a world-wide reputation for auctioning the best in antiques, fine art, and Asian antiquities. The gallery features only the highest quality while providing impeccable client service. Dallas Auction Gallery is known internationally for integrity, straightforwardness, and personal service for both the buyer and seller. Our technology allows us to market items in a global environment, thus reaching a larger marketplace and maximizing values.

Visit our gallery in Dallas and attend an auction in person, or view us on the web. Talk to an auction specialist about the items and the auction process. Come see the very best in Fine Art, Contemporary Art, Western Art, Decorative Arts, Sculpture, Porcelains, Art Glass, Antique Silver, Clocks, Asian Art & Antiquities, Fine Estate Jewelry, French, Continental and American antique furniture, and much more."*

* Introduction courtesy of Dallas Auction Gallery

Notice the professional photography. Also, please don't forget  that you can double-click on any image to view its larger size. I can;t present the larger size in the format of the blog,but Blogger allows you to view these images as a slide show. In that capacity you can view larger sizes of photographs. There you will see the fine details of these true antique mechanical banks.

For myself, I'm amazed at how many of these cast iron banks were made way back then. Also,there were lots of companies who made these banks. Consequently there is a large diversity of these toys still around. Moreover, there is even a site on the web dedicated to people who collect these fine antiques - www.mechanical banks.org

For this bank, I think that a coin is placed between the young boy's  "bottom" and his feet. As the mule kick's up, the coin slides into a small slot and disappears.

You can easily see where the coin goes into the vault. I also think that the back clown juggling the ball on his soles (feet) does something. Notice the metal pin that runs through his hips. It's always great to see large-sized images as that affords the viewer the ability to see detail.

There is one  very important fact to always be aware of when buying antique toys, and this is especially true for antique banks. The patents of these fine toys has long since expired. In other cases, the company long ago closed, or there aren't any new owners of the company or the old plans, moulds, or patents. 

As such, there are many new "reproductions". Even long ago, "forgeries and fakes were produced. Because of this, you have to be very careful. It's always best to deal with an honourable and known seller, or auction house, otherwise you may get "fleeced" buying a $ 15.00 reproduction or fake, and paying lots of "coin".

   

This is the Teddy Roosevelt mechanical bank by the J.& E. Stevens Co. - one of the more interesting presidents in American history.  What would help date the toy is the actual time of when President Roosevelt was the president (1901-1909). 

Certainly a colourful and interesting bank.

It's easy to know how this bank works!

There's certainly lots of action for this mechanical bank.

I can't figure out where the money would go, but I have a feeling that the money went into the cavity of the cow's body.

If I had been taken by my parents to pick a mechanical bank toy, I'd have spent lots of time figuring out which one to get. I know that for a fact, because I purchase an inexpensive one a few years ago. The hardware store (of all places) had only 6, but it took me 20 minutes, and I was 58 at the time!

Imagine if I had been 5 years old and there were 30 to choose from!

Thanks for dropping by,

and have a great part of the day,
wherever you may be.
Stacey