Nine out of these ten banks are of American manufacture, made between the 1950’s and the 1970’s, while one (the Well’s Fargo Stage Coach) was made in China, circa 1990’s.
Banthrico, Incorporated (Chicago) made four of these banks, while similar type companies made the other six. They manufactured coin savings banks for banking institutions who used them as premiums to those who opened up a savings account. In the case of young children they were given to them to encourage thrift and savings. These (10) banks are a representation of that era 1950 to early 1970’s, encompassing enticing savings themes. They were always made of white metal, and typically plated; usually in a copper finish.
All of the banks listed below are pictured front, back, and bottom. Four of the banks lack the coin holding trap, which is quite common, as it was typical for children to toss them or lose them eventually upon removing the money from the bank.
1) “Pirate Bank”
Circa 1950’s; depicts a pirate sitting on top of a treasure chest with a parrot on his shoulder, protecting his booty. Typical original copper finish in white metal; measures 5 1/2″ high x 4 1/2″ wide x 3 1/2″ deep. Copyright marking to the rear “55” , perhaps 1955. Has the coin trap holder but lacks the circular coin trap. Very good condition.
Referenced #335 “The Penny Bank Book” by Andy Moore (published 1984)(
2) “Eagle on Cliff”
Made by Banthrico Incorporated and dated 1976 (Americana Bicentennial commemoration bank) portrays a proud American eagle perched on a cliff; nice detail to original copper finish with original coin trap in near mint condition.
6 3/8″ high. Made for “United Savings Bank”
Referenced #145 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
3) “Covered Wagon”
Made by Banthrico Incorporated and from the 1950’s, by “The Union Banking Company”; depicts a fully loaded chuck wagon with buckets, and a chest “:parked” on western terrain. Finished with copper finish to white metal, with the typical saw tooth coin trap intact, in excellent and all original condition.
4 5/8″ long
Referenced #432 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
4) “Well’s Fargo Stagecoach Bank”
Later made promotional bank by Well’s Fargo banking institution; in all original and complete condition with original paint colors of red, yellow, and black, authentic looking stagecoach; in very good condition with coin trap intact and no repaint, restoration or dents.
4 3/4″ long
5) “Three Little Pigs”
Inscribed on front base plate, all original condition with coin trap intact. Slight manufacturing “blow hole” at base of one of the pigs (see image specific to this); unknown manufacture. Made of copper; measures 5″ high.
6) “Indian Chief”
Put out by “The Multnomah Bank of Portland,m Oregon; depicts an Indian Chief in full feathered head dress and chieftain regalia; with typical Banthrico Company original copper finish and Banthrico original coin trap to the base.
Measures 5” high. Circa 1962
Referenced #27 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
7) “Shoe House” Bank
Mistakenly called “Old Lady and the Shoe Bank”; this particular bank is of unknown manufacture (could be early Banthrico bank, especially considering the typical copper wash finish to white metal), it is listed in Andy Moore’s book as pre-1945 Banthrico, however, I date it around early 1950’s.
The bank depicts a tree house or shoe house scene; a childhood staple, with the coin slot on top and the missing coin trap to the base of the bank.
Measures 5″ high x 5:” deep x 3 1/4″ wide
Referenced #1602 “The Penny Bank Book” by Andy Moore (published 1984)
8) “Steamboat Paddle Wheeler”
By Banthrico Company this beautifully copper finished boat depicts a paddle wheeler put out by the “First National City Bank of Alliance” inscribed on the side.. Bank is in completely excellent and all original condition, with the coin trap intact; dates from Circa 1972; 6 5/8″ long.
Referenced #497 “Coin Banks by Banthrico” by Jim Redwine (published 2001)
9) “Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank”
The savings bank was established in 1850, and this particular circular shaped coin bank was made by A.C. Rehberger Company; started in Chicago in 1912; pre-dating Banthrico. Nice clipper ship portrayed on one side and the slogan “Make Savings an Everyday Habit” on the face of the other side.
Bank is all original, and has the coin support base but lacks the circular coin trap itself.
This particular example is quite scarce and does not turn up very often.
5 5/8″ high; circular part 4″ diameter.
10) Ben Franklin “Liberty” Bank
Bicentennial bank made for “Ben J. Franklin Federal Savings and Loan Association” by Vacument, Inc. Minnesota in 1976. Portrays image of Ben Franklin on one side and a continental drummer on the other side.
The bank is basically mint in the box (never been used) and comes with the original key and instruction paperwork (see image). The case is metal and the base is plastic. Dimensions: 5 1/2″ high x 5″ wide. Circa 1976.
Nice group of banks for someone who wants to start a collection or add to an existing one; or simply to give away and use as gift items. Great for young and old alike.
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