In the late 19th century the concept of thrift became a principle by which parents encouraged their children to safe money by putting their pennies into a “piggy bank”, thus the proliferation of these items by pottery manufacturers, this particular example marked “SS” on the underneath indicating “A Smith Ltd.”, Longton, England whose ceramic, china, and pottery business began in 1846 by Sampson Smith.
Nicely molded and in excellent condition, this proverbial pig themed penny bank is painted overall white with a multiplicity of green “spatter” spots, the pig standing on all fours has a twisted tail in back. The original finish is beautifully glazed resulting in a lovely patina to this completely original bank with no restoration or touch up paint of any kind and all of it’s original hand paint intact.
Since these type of antique banks typically were made without a coin removal trap, the only way to extract the coins would have been the old “knife in the slot” method and retrieving the pennies one by one; or the more simpler method of smashing and breaking the bank, which is why locating these banks is very difficult, rendering a fine example particularly rare.
This example is a wonderful addition to a collection of authentic still banks, folk art, or for those who accumulate pig items. This recently came from an estate collection of pig still banks.
Dimensions: 5″ long x 1 3/4″ wide x 2 1/2″ high
Note: I am a leading specialist in the field of antique banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years. This experience makes me well qualified to analyze, evaluate, and warrant the authenticity of original examples. I guarantee the banks that I have listed to be as I have described them. I have examined under 10 power loop and note the mini crazing indicative of 19th century manufacture.
Note: Please see my other bank listings I am offering for sale.