Banthrico, Incorporated (and similar companies) manufactured coin savings banks for banking institutions who used them as premiums to those who opened up a savings account. In the case of young children they were given to them to encourage thrift and savings. These (10) banks are a representation of that era 1950 to early 1970’s, encompassing patriotic and western themes. They were always made of white metal, and typically plated; usually in a copper finish.
1) “John F. Kennedy” Bust Bank”. First National Bank in Alton” (Illinois) by Banthrico circa 1963,
5 1/8″ high
Completely original. Beautiful example (key lock coin trap intact).
Referenced #31 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine
2) “Charlie Russell” Bust Bank”. “Bank Corporation of Montana” embossed in back. circa 1962,
6 3/8″ high. Great rendition in great detail (see close up image) of famous western artist Charlie Russell. Completely original. Excellent condition. Original trap intact.
Referenced #49 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine
3) “Roy Rogers Boot Bank”. Embossed “The Almar Metal Arts” Marion, Pa.” circa 1950s 5 7/8″ high. Very good condition. Copper plating and bank all original; bottom metal plate intact; coin stopper lacking (see images). Nice embossed image of Roy Rogers on horseback (see image).
4) Saddle and Boot Bank. “U.S.A.” embossed on bottom. Great copious detail casting to saddle and boots (see images). Excellent all original condition with original copper plating and coin trap intact, circa 1950s. 4 3/4″ high. Manufacturer unknown.
5) “The Minute Man” by Banthrico, circa1976. Portrays Revolutionary War Minute Man with Bell and flags in back; canon and Independence Hall in front. 5 1/4″ high. “East Cheyenne National Bank, Wyoming” inscribed on back. Excellent all original copper plating and condition with original coin trap intact. Some discoloration to the base front where it says “minute man”.
Referenced #42 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine
6) “Mexican Riding Donkey”. Portrays a Mexican playing the guitar serenading those he passes in the countryside while riding a donkey. A cactus in back, and rocks on a hill in front completes the decoration. Copper plating is excellent and bank is all original; bottom plate is intact; round coin trap lacking (see image). 6″ high; circa 1960. Manufacturer unknown.
7) “Continental Drum”. Commemoration bank, by Banthrico, circa 1976; to recognize bicentennial. 3 3/4″ high. Patriotic embossing throughout, e.g. flags, eagles, etc. (see images). Excellent all original condition; copper plating completely intact and original base plate intact (serves as coin holder).
Referenced #255 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine
8) “Covered Wagon”. Water Barrel on side; storage trunk on the other side. “First National Bank of The Black Hills” inscribed on the side base plate By Banthrico, circa 1950s. 4 5/8″ high. All original and in excellent condition. Copper plating intact and original key lock coin trap in place.
Referenced #432 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine
9) “Indian Chief Head with Full Headdress”. Cast in wonderful detail; chains around his neck. Excellent all original condition with original circular coin trap in place. circa 1950s; 5″ high.
Manufacturer unknown.
10) “Prospector”. Depicts a California gold miner panning for gold; in wonderful detail with shovel, pick ax and pan in hand. Made for “The Bank of California” by Banthrico, circa 1972, 6 1/4″ high.
Original very good condition; lacking coin trap (see image).
Referenced # 45 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine
Nice group of banks for someone who wants to start a collection or add to an existing one; or simply to give away and use as gift items. Great for young and old alike.
The Banthrico Company was established in Chicago, Illinois in 1931 with the concept of building savings banks or “piggy banks” for banking institutions. They were quite prolific and successful through the 1970’s but started to struggle and were bought out in 1985.
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and banks; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace