American Mechanical Bank "Melody-Bank, " circa 1946
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Metal
Mechanical Bank 'Sentry', circa 1925
By Saalheimer & Strauss
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Tin
Mechanical Bank "Saluting Sailor", circa 1920s
By Saalheimer & Strauss
Located in Incline Village, NV
The bank measures: 6 3/4" high 4 7/8" wide 2" deep I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine obj...
Tin
Mechanical Bank "Pelican, " Made of Cast Iron, circa 1878
By John Gerrard
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
"Peg-Leg Beggar" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1880
By H.L. Judd Manufacturing Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dimensions: 3 9/16" deep x 2 1/8" wide x 5 1/8" high I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine o...
Iron
$2,400
H 6.75 in W 3.75 in D 10.63 in
"William Tell" Mechanical Toy Savings Bank. American, Circa 1896 (All Original)
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dimensions: 10 5/8" long x 3 3/4" wide x 6 3/4" high I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine...
Iron
$6,250 / set
H 7.5 in W 7.13 in D 3.07 in
Mechanical Bank Speaking Dog By The Shepard Co Ca 1885; with Original Wooden Box
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
It is one of only four antique mechanical banks that features a young girl. The bank operates as follows: Place a coin on the tray being held by the girl.
Iron
Five Mechanical Bank Trade Cards in Frame, circa 1880s
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Paper
$2,250
H 7 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in
Mechanical Bank "Fishing Bears" Battery Operated with Original Box, circa 1950s
Located in Incline Village, NV
I am a leading specialist in the field of mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years.
Tin
"Organ Bank" with Cat and Dog, circa 1882, American
By Kyser & Rex Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
Pair of Reindeer Antique Still Banks, American, circa 1910
By A.C. Williams Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique still and mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for more than 40 years.
Iron
Vintage J Chein Tin Litho Circus Elephant Mechanical Coin Bank
By J. Chein & Co.
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage mid century tin litho mechanical coin bank in the shape of a circus elephant, mad by J.
Tin
Sold
H 7.25 in W 4 in D 3 in
Vintage Cast Iron Owl Mechanical Coin Bank - Book of Knowledge Collection
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Cast Iron Owl Mechanical Coin Bank - Book of Knowledge Collection.
Iron
Sold
H 6.5 in W 5 in D 6 in
Vintage J.E. Stevens Jolly Painted Cast Iron Americana Mechanical Coin Bank
Located in Dayton, OH
"Vinatge painted cast iron mechanical coin bank by J.E. Stevens. Measure: 7" “J. & E.
Iron
Mechanical Bank "Novelty Bank", circa 1873 (Brown Version)
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
Mechanical Bank "Magic Bank, " circa 1876
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dimensions: 4 3/4" deep x 4 1/4 " wide x 5 1/4" high I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine ...
Iron
Mechanical Bank "Home Bank" Without Dormers, circa 1872
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
I am a leading specialist in the field of home mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years.
Iron
"Rabbit Standing" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1882
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
Vintage Cast Iron "Uncle Sam" Toy Bank Box North American
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Cast Iron "Uncle Sam" Toy Bank Mechanical Coin Bank with Americana Eagle Umbrella Piggy Bank Box.
Iron
"Eiffel Tower" Cast Iron Still Bank, Rare Variation, circa 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
" I am a leading specialist in the field of antique still and mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years.
Iron
"Organ Bank" with Boy and Girl, Circa 1882, American
By Kyser & Rex Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
Mechanical Bank "Lion Hunter, " American Toy, circa 1911
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
Mechanical Bank "Monkey Bank", circa 1925
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
Mechanical Bank 'Fishing Bears', circa 1950s
Located in Incline Village, NV
I am a leading specialist in the field of mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these Fine objects for 40 years.
Tin
"Chandler's Bank" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1900
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron, Sheet Metal
"Bulldog Bank" American, circa 1880 Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
It is one of the earlier mechanical banks made for children to encourage saving, and is quite desirable due to its subject matter and action (the way in which the coin is deposited).
Iron
Vintage Japanese Tin Space Toy Mechanical Bank, Circa 1950's Rare
Located in Incline Village, NV
Japanese tin mechanical bank features a rocket launcher mounted on the top surface of the body which fires a missile (penny or coin) into outer space, as represented by a globe like ...
Tin
Mechanical Bank, "Watchdog Safe" in Cast Iron, circa 1890
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Watchdog Safe" mechanical bank was manufactured by the prolific toy coin bank manufacturer J. & E.
Iron
Sold
H 5 in W 4 in D 4 in
"Hall's Excelsior" Cast Iron Mechanical Toy Savings Bank. American, Circa 1869
By J. & E. Steven's Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dimensions: 4" deep x 4" wide x 5" high (3 5/8" base plate front of steps to back) I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks, having been buying, s...
Iron
Sold
H 5.5 in W 4.25 in D 3.38 in
"Cupola" Building Still Bank by Vermont Novelty Works, American, circa 1869
By Vermont Novelty Works
Located in Incline Village, NV
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.
Iron
1950's Coin Vending Toy Mechanical Bank
Located in Incline Village, NV
Named "Savings Bank" "Coin Vending Machine" this toy would be in the category of a toy mechanical bank.
Tin
Vintage Mechanical Cast Iron Still Bank Circus Elephant Coin Piggy Bank
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mechanical Cast Iron Still Bank Circus Elephant Coin Piggy Bank.
Iron
American Cast Iron Door Stop, "Lady Skier", circa 1920
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dimensions: 12 3/4" high x 5" wide x 3 3/8" deep You can rest assured as to it's authenticity as I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin b...
Iron
Vintage Mechanical Elephant Cast Iron Bank Collectible Toy
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage mechanical hand-painted cast iron elephant coin bank.
Iron
"Punch" Figural Cast Iron Doorstop, circa 1885
Located in Incline Village, NV
Dimensions: 12 1/4" high x 9" wide x 3 3/4" deep I am a leading specialist in the field of antique cast iron toys, doorstops, and mechanical coin banks, having been b...
Iron
Large Cast Iron "Hook and Ladder" by Dent, American, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique cast iron toys and mechanical coin banks, having been buying, selling, and examining these fine objects for 40 years.
Iron
Jolly N Mechanical Penny Coin Bank
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Orange, CA
This black Americana coin bank is stamped made in England and is made out of cast iron. Insert a penny in his hand and push lever down located behind his arm. That will bring his oth...
Iron
William Tell Cast Iron Mechanical Bank, 1890s
Located in Alhambra, CA
Cast iron William Tell mechanical bank, circa 1896. Coin is shot by pressing the figure's right foot to fire coin into the castle, knocking the apple off the boy's head and raising h...
Iron
American Pottery Pig Bank, Circa 1880's
Located in Incline Village, NV
American pottery still bank in the shape of a pig, used for saving coins (usually pennies) to encourage children the importance of thrift. Pottery still banks are somewhat scarce sin...
Pottery
$1,295
H 7.5 in W 3.75 in D 3 in
19thC Cast Iron Mechanical Owl Bank with a Turning Head and Glass Eyes, 1880
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous cast iron Owl bank with a turning head coin lever and glass eyes. Lot of the original paint still intact. Missing the lock on the underside, not visible when viewing upright...
Iron
"Magic Mouse" Mechanical Bank, Japan, circa 1964
Located in Incline Village, NV
For the mechanical bank and toy enthusiast, listed is a tin, lithographed and painted, all original 1960s mechanical bank made by the Yone Company of Japan (see image of logo on side...
Tin
"Lady and Baby by The Wishing Well" Still Bank, German, circa 1910
Located in Incline Village, NV
Very interesting wooden still bank with lots going on. All hand-carved of wood with four small circular risers elevating the base. There is a water pump with a bucket hanging from it...
Wood
"Lincoln Bank" Still Toy Savings Bank, American, circa 1950
Located in Incline Village, NV
This seldom seen bank is technically a mechanical bank but basically it is a still bank with a slight mechanical function, that being; once it is full of coins, it opens up automatic...
Tin
"Cat Boat" Mechanical Toy Penny Bank, American, circa 1968
By Utexiqual Products
Located in Incline Village, NV
In near mint and all original condition this vintage mechanical bank appeals to both sailing enthusiasts and bank collectors; perhaps a collector of "cat" memorabelia as well. The th...
Aluminum, Iron, Tin
Folk art is a genre of art that shares the creator’s traditions, offering not just an artistic display but an opportunity to learn about a culture. Antique, new and vintage folk art typically reflects a heritage or location. It can include utilitarian objects and handmade art as diverse as weather vanes, duck decoys, portraiture and paintings, carnival art and quilts.
Quilts are a quintessential part of American folk art but their roots are international, with quilting dating back to Ancient Egypt. The practice spread to Europe and was especially prominent in the Middle Ages, with one of the oldest surviving examples being the Tristan quilt made in Sicily in the 14th century. They were made as bedcovers and clothing, including as a layer for knights to wear beneath their armor. Native American folk art includes functional objects reflecting their heritage, such as baskets, textiles and wooden pieces.
Elsewhere, the vast range of work associated with Mexican folk art includes masks made by Mexican craftspeople for traditional celebrations and ceremonial dances. Mexican masks are part of the country’s folk-art traditions that go back thousands of years and play a role in festivals and theater.
Works in the folk art tradition are valuable because of the skills involved, like weaving, hand-carving wood and even stonework. Many folk artists are self-taught, while some train as apprentices within their community. By using available materials and taking a personal approach to their creations, artists ensure each piece is unique and conveys a story.
During the Great Depression, artistic materials in America were hard to come by, so artisans used discarded wood from cigar boxes and shipping crates to make highly stylized, notched pieces — most often picture frames and boxes — that are today sought after by collectors. This folk art style is called tramp art and was popular from roughly 1870 until the 1940s.
Folk art brings vibrant culture and traditions into your home. Browse an extensive collection of antique, new and vintage folk art on 1stDibs.