This is a later (1950’s), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors.
Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote an article in 1978 describing the bank and it’s significance. It is considered by collectors to be the number one battery operated bank and is very hard to find, especially in all original condition and with the four original fish. It is all tin with the original tin coin trap.
It operates as follows:
Place a penny in the slot in front of bank; it stays there until the action is over; the “poppa” bear raises his fishing pole with a fish attached to the end of the line and rotates it over to the baby bear’s pail. The “Momma” bear raises her pail up and down while the baby bear claps his hand. This goes on for four times. At the conclusion the penny automatically drops into the bank.
Nicely lithographed all around ,this amazing bank was made in Japan in the early 1950’s by the “Wonderful Toy Company”. It measures 71/8″ square x 7″ high.
I am a leading specialist in the field of mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years. This experience makes me well qualified to analyze, evaluate, and guarantee the authenticity of original examples.
*Note: Please see other mechanical banks I have listed for sale.