Iron Collectibles and Curiosities

Antique cast-iron mechanical "Novelty Bank" designer by C. Johnson for J. & E. Stevens, circa 1873 features original condition and working with cashier em...

Although "Tammany Bank" was patented and initially produced in 1873, it had quite a long run and was manufactured for many years after that, undergoing several variations; initially ...

"Chief Big Moon" cast iron mechanical bank is one of the few western theme banks in the mechanical bank collecting field. It was manufactured in 1899 by the J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Connecticut. This is one of the favorite banks of most collectors because, in addition to attractive "shelf appeal", the action of the bank incorporates the element of surprise. To operate; a coin is placed under the fish in front of the pond. Press the lever on the top, middle, side, of the bank. The frog will spring out of the pond, attempting to grab the fish, as the Indian (who is sitting in front of a fire) raises it out of the reach of the frog. While this is going on, the coin drops into the bank. To reset the bank for another deposit, lift up the pond and place the frog back underneath (look at "before" and "after" images). In addition to the frog, Indian, fish, and two white ducks on the blue pond, the bank is decorated in Indian decor...

Although "Tammany Bank" was patented and initially produced in 1873, it had quite a long run and was manufactured for many years after that, undergoing several variations; initially being called "Little Fat Man...

Manufactured in 1876 by the J. & E. Steven's Company in Cromwell, Connecticut, this cast iron bank measures 4 3/4" long x 5 1/4" high. It is in excellent all original condition and p...

Although this bank was patented in 1882, it probably was not produced until 1886 when it first appeared in an advertisement. It was advertised as the "Shamrock" bank and was manufactured to ridicule the Irish for whom there was a great deal of prejudice during the late 1800s America...

Manufactured in 1911 by the J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Connecticut, this cast iron mechanical bank depicts President Teddy Roosevelt aiming his rifle at a lion. Roosevelt is well-known for his affinity towards big game hunting, and previously for the genesis of the “Teddy” bear. To operate this bank, the coin is placed on the barrel of the rifle in a “cocked” position. Upon pressing down on the lever, the coin is thrust under the rising lion into the bank below. The lion then returns to his original position. Condition of the bank is excellent with no repairs and the paint is all original except for the head of Teddy Roosevelt, which is touched-up (see images). Dimensions: 10 7/8” long x 2 ¾” wide x 7 ½” high. I am a leading specialist in the field of antique mechanical coin banks...

"William Tell" mechanical bank was patented and manufactured in 1896 by the J. & E. Steven's Company in Cromwell, Connecticut. The bank is in excellen...