Manufactured in 1884 by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, this cast iron mechanical bank measures 7 1/8″ long and is in excellent all original condition and paint. There is no touch up or repaint, and no restoration of any kind. Colors of bright red on the dress, flesh tones, tan colored dog, and maroon base are all very bright and crisp. The bank is accompanied by the original wooden box in which it was originally shipped; a very special find and charming piece of Americana. Rare to find the original box. The bank and box came directly from an estate and the original owner. The theme of the bank depicts a young Victorian girl playing with her golden retriever. It is one of only four antique mechanical banks that features a young girl.
The bank operates as follows: (Operational video available upon request)
Place a coin on the tray being held by the girl. Press down on the lever in front of the girl and the girl moves her arm downward dropping the coin into the bank while the trap door opens and the dog opens his mouth and wags it’s tail.
Dimensions: 7 1/8″ long x 3 1/16″ wide x 7 1/2″ 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 my other mechanical bank listings I am offering for sale.