Items Similar to Mechanical Bank "Fishing Bears" Battery Operated with Original Box, circa 1950s
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 16
Mechanical Bank "Fishing Bears" Battery Operated with Original Box, circa 1950s
About the Item
This is a later (1950's), albeit often overlooked and important mechanical bank that is quite rare, and highly sought after by collectors. Iconic bank collector F.H. Griffith wrote an article in November 1978 describing the bank and it's significance (copy upon request). It is considered by collectors to be the number one battery operated bank and is very hard to find, especially in all original condition and with the four original fish, AND with the brightly colored, animated and highly lithographed original box!. It is all tin and also has the original tin coin trap.
It operates as follows:
Place a penny in the slot in front of bank; it stays there until the action is over; the "poppa" bear raises his fishing pole with a fish attached to the end of the line and rotates it over to the baby bear's pail. The "Momma" bear raises her pail up and down while the baby bear claps his hand. This goes on for four times. At the conclusion of the action, the penny automatically drops into the bank (Please see the 40 second video of the action which accompanies the listing).
Nicely lithographed all around with bright and crisp colors (see images), this amazing bank was made in Japan in the early 1950's by the "Wonderful Toy Company" (see image for logo "mark" on rear panel). It measures 71/8" square x 7" high. The box measures 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 7".
The condition of this bank/toy is near mint and completely original with absolutely no repairs, no restoration, and no repaint or touch-up of any kind!
There is an ever so slight "separation" at the front left corner (see images), but it is hardly noticeable, and was probably like that from the manufacturer.
Provenance: This bank is from my own collection and I have owned it for over 40 years having acquired it from the estate of the renowned 1930's to 1960's toy and mechanical bank collection of Ferdinand Weider.
I am a leading specialist in the field of 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 and inquire about other mechanical banks I have listed for sale.
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys 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.
See my other listings of vintage toys.
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1976
1stDibs seller since 2013
271 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
Associations
Art Dealers Association of America
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Incline Village, NV
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAmerican Mechanical Bank "Melody-Bank, " circa 1946
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Melody-Bank" is a rare bank and was manufactured by "Electric Coding Machine Co., N.Y.C." in 1946. American made, this is a genuine and authentic vintage mechanical bank, albeit somewhat later, having been manufactured in 1946. It maintains all of the elements of a collectible antique mechanical bank; pleasing shelf appeal and wonderful musical action. The metal faux textured, green painted casing on five sides is fronted by cardboard on wood, filled with delightful images of "children at play with money" lithography.
To operate: Wind up the mechanism by turning the brass dial in front clockwise; then put a nickel, dime, or quarter in the appropriate slot at the top. Music will play as additional lithography depicting children's nursery rhymes rotate on the interior circular dial ("Little Boy Blue", "Mary Had A Little Lamb", etc.).
Coins are removed by unscrewing the metal plate at the rear bottom.
Bank is in excellent all original condition with fully operable musical mechanism.
Dimensions: 7" high x 4 9/16" wide x 3" deep.
I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks...
Category
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Metal
Mechanical Bank 'Sentry', circa 1925
By Saalheimer & Strauss
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Sentry" tin mechanical bank is very difficult to find, having been made in Germany by the company Saalheimer & Strauss for the British market. The rif...
Category
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Mechanical Bank "Saluting Sailor", circa 1920s
By Saalheimer & Strauss
Located in Incline Village, NV
This mechanical bank "Saluting Sailor" was manufactured in the 1920s by Saalheimer & Strauss Company in Germany. It is in excellent all original condition and brightly hand painted in colors of red, white, blue, yellow, and grey. There is an ever so slight crease to the left on dial.
The bank operates as follows:
Press down on the lever in front just beneath the steering wheel.
The sailor raises his right arm and lowers his left arm revealing a slot on the right side of the bank where the sailor's left arm was, inviting the deposit of a coin (see image). Release the lever, and the arms return to their original position (see image).
Coins are removed via the original key lock trap.
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...
Category
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Mechanical Bank Speaking Dog By The Shepard Co Ca 1885; with Original Wooden Box
By Shepard Hardware Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
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, especially considering that the Shepard Company did not use a primer rendering their surface more vulnerable than say, the Steven's Company. 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, and I have owned it since then for over 35 years. The theme of the bank depicts a young Victorian girl playing with her golden retriever. It is one of only four antique mechanical banks...
Category
Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
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 panel). The company was founded in 1950 and is typical of the post war companies who produced outstanding children's toys. The action is unique, clever, and encourages saving money. With the bank wound (attached key wind on the underneath (see image); place a penny on the spot provided on top of the bank. The mouse dashes out of the grey shoe...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
"Peg-Leg Beggar" Mechanical Bank, American, circa 1880
By H.L. Judd Manufacturing Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Peg-leg Beggar" 19th century cast iron mechanical bank was probably inspired by the many disabled Civil War veterans begging for their subsistence. The bank was manufactured by the ...
Category
Antique 1880s American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Iron
You May Also Like
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 visi...
Category
Antique 1880s American American Classical Toys
Materials
Iron
Mid Century Tin Litho Mechanical Clockwork Windup Toy Skier Girl by Chein C1945
By J. Chein & Co.
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous working tin Litho toy skier by the Chein toy co. C1945. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear.
Category
Vintage 1940s American Industrial Toys
Materials
Tin
Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960
By Nils Olsson
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy.
Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960.
Materials:
Wood
In original condition, with...
Category
Vintage 1960s Swedish Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
$3,396 Sale Price / set
20% Off
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1920 ART DECO CASION CHIP POKER SET WiTH BAKELITE HANDLE CASE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques
Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very nice circa 1920 Art Deco casino chip / poker set in the original wood case with Bakelite handle
A...
Category
Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Toys
Materials
Plastic, Wood
$712 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th C Cast Iron Toy Sedan by A C Williams Original Red with Nickel Wheels
By A. C. Williams Company
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and classic cast iron toy from the early thirties. In what looks like to the original Red with Nickel Wheels and the right amount of wear to th...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Toys
Materials
Iron, Nickel
Vintage Raj Handcrafted Camel Toy India, 1950
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Raj embroidered large camel toy, India, 1950.
Handmade in Rajasthan, India, colorful fabric camel toy.
Vintage oversized camel stuffed cotton embroidered and decorated with...
Category
Mid-20th Century Indian Moorish Toys and Dolls
Materials
Cotton
