The Pelican Mechanical Bank is made of cast iron and was manufactured by The J. & E. Steven’s Manufacturing Company, in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1878. It was, however, created by John Gerard of the Trenton Lock & Hardware Company in Trenton, New Jersey. This is probably the best example I’ve had for sale and is in excellent all original condition and paint. Often times the top beak of the pelican is replaced or repaired—-this example has the original beak. There were several variations made of the figure in the pelican’s mouth. This is the “mammy” example. The bank was finished in both a gold and a dark japanned appearance—this is the japanned version.
The bank operates as follows: (Operational video available upon request)
with the mouth of the pelican closed and “snapped” into place, push a coin through the slot at the top of the pelican’s head. His beak will pop up exposing the “mammy” figure while the coin drops into the bank.
Coins are removed by unscrewing the two screws under the base. Bank measures 8″ high.
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique 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 for sale.
Note: Short one minute video showing operation of the bank is available as an
attachment via email upon request.