“Watchdog Safe” mechanical bank was manufactured by the prolific toy coin bank manufacturer J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1890. “Patent Applied For” appears in gold stenciling on the rear lower style, but we know the manufacturing date from advertisements that appeared around 1890 (It was advertised as “Watchdog Bank”). The bank is made of cast iron and is decorated with a Roman type figure in gold raised relief on each side; bird and floral motif to the top; recessed panels to the back; and a white, spotted dog who guards the safe in the front.
The action of the bank is quite simplistic, as it operates as follows:
Place a coin in the slot provided at the top of the bank; raise the lever on the right side; this causes the coin to drop and the dog to open his mouth and “bark”, by means of a bellows which is installed on the inside of the door (see image) and is operable (you will here a slight “squeaky” sound—–see video).
Coins are removed by the combination of three rolled dials in front; that combination being 7–2–1 (only one I have seen with this combination).
Bank has a beautiful original finish, in completely original paint and in excellent condition. There is a minor casting flaw to the rear style, which does not affect the overall integrity of the bank. Prices for this bank have exceeded $20,000 in outstanding condition, which attests to the difficulty of finding a good example of “Watchdog Safe” bank in original paint and condition.
Dimensions:
4 1/2″ wide x 4″ deep x 5 13/16″ high
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for more than 40 years. This experience makes me well qualified to analyze, evaluate, and guarantee the authenticity of original examples.
I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys, banks, and other children’s playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described.
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys and banks that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these items came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition.
Please see my other “bank” and toy listings.
Note: Short one minute video showing operation of the bank is available as an
attachment via email upon request.