A unique and quite scarce bank, made in Japan by the Marusan Company for the American market in the 1950’s; this all tin bank is known as (according to the graphics on the original box) “The Child Clock Bank”; but it is more commonly referred to as the “Time is Money” bank, which appears above the door of the church. As such, it could also be considered and used as an educational toy.
The action is not actually instigated by the deposit of a coin, but rather by a key wind (original key provided). After winding the hex shank in back, and upon release, (or perhaps a gentle push); the pendulum oscillates, while the birds rock back and forth on their perch. Meanwhile, the hands of the clock go around, as if keeping time. The church building colors are nicely lithographed in red bricks with yellow overtones; some black here and there, while the celluloid birds are pinkish in color. The logo appears at the bottom of the back panel (see image) attesting to it’s manufacture in Shoten, Japan by Marusan. The bank is in excellent condition, completely original with no repairs and no repaint; it operates very well (upon request: see the video that accompanies the listing). Packaging comes with the original key to open the front door and retrieve the coins. The colorful and original lithographed cardboard box comes with the bank (attesting to it’s genesis), along with the original yellow key to wind it up. When it comes to condition, this is at the utmost top end; a very nice toy semi-mechanical bank and welcome addition to any mechanical bank or toy collection. Impossible to find with original box and two keys.
Dimensions: 8 1/2″ high x 4 3/4″ wide x 2 3/8″ deep
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