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The patent for the first mechanical bank was issued in 1869 in Philadelphia. The Golden Age of Cast Iron banks lasted until 1930. The depression and WW2 caused interest to fade. It was thought this toy would help kids learn to save.
The Book of Knowledge(an encyclopedia company), using its extensive cast iron original bank collection made a limited edition of 20 cast iron Banks. They contracted Robert Wright and Donald Smith of the Riverside Foundry,WRIGHTSTOWN, Pa.(outside Philadelphia) makers of cast iron toys and products dating back to the 1800’s, to reproduce banks using molds and sand casting from the originals. Using the same hand pouring and hand painting and quality cast these are indistinguishable from the originals. Each was produced in a limited # and came with a paper hang tag signed by John Wright. Each hand filed and assembled.
The example for sale was originally made 1898, to honor the dead (over200) killed when the USS MAINE was sunk in Havana Harbor in 1898 . This sinking launched the Spanish American War. The US victorious and wound up with Puerto Rico. President Dewey was President.
This example for sale is 9 x 3 x 4”, weighs 2 lbs. 12 oz. and comes with 6 steel cannon balls and a Repro rod( remember the Maine). The rod won’t chip the bank. The opening slot if you look clearly states Pat. 1898 Pa.
Very hard to see!!
The original tag and box, lost to time. The bank is one of the finest you can find, the firing mechanism, hammer, spring, etc. are strong and tight. Throws the projectile with force. All paint and imprinting bright and clear. As time goes, fewer of these survive, their appeal is timeless. The originals are $$$$$$, and are in either toy museums, private collections. Dan Morphy or Morphy sales, Pa. Has one of the largest private collections.
This is your opportunity to own one which, based on quality, is identical to the original and is already over 70 years old. Its condition is exceptional as its functionality. Few of these limited and certified examples in this condition exist.
PRICE $165.50
S/H $10 USPS GROUND ADVANTAGE
THE SELLER IS 5.0 rated and ships fast with expert packing. He is #1 on Google for Motorola DynaTAC cell phones.
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Our items are accurately represented and researched. Sold as-is. NO RETURNS.
From smoke, pet and virus free environment .
This is the best cosmetic and functional complete example the seller has EVER seen. The MEMORIAL REMEMBER THE MAINE honors our serviceman who died during that conflict.
This real intelligence written listings is from an eyes and hands on perspective.
Proud to be AMERICAN MADE
TARIFF FREE
RARE: won’t last.
