Japanese Puzzle Bank Portrays A Building Bank "National Savings Bank" Circa 1948

Quite an unusual piece for bank collectors or just for those seeking a unique collectible. This is a coin bank made of all wood; walnut and inlay here and there; simulating a stack and shelf of books; a pair of "Scottie dogs" (terriers) on top of the bank completes the decoration. The slot on top of the bank accommodates the saving of coins. When it is full; the method of opening the bank to remove the coins, exemplifies the ultimate in Japanese ingenuity. A video attached to the listing displays the foregoing. With the books facing you; slide the two front bottom panels to the left; slide the bottom right panel forward (tilt forward) exposing the opening; slide out the enclosed loose key; push everything back; slide left half of front panel to the left; the middle book drops down exposing the key hole; insert and turn the key to the right to open; lift the hinged lid; remove coins and reverse the process to start over again. Fantastic item!!! This bank was made in Japan, right after World War ll, during the occupation, around 1948. It is a further manifestation of a mid to early 19th century tradition of hiding documents and money in boxes with "tricks" and a multiplicity of "moves" to unlock a box or trunk. With these banks, it is all about condition and completeness, considering the rough play and use it was subject to from trying to figure out how to open it. This particular bank is in excellent and all original, complete condition with no repairs and no replacements, and is from my own personal collection of banks; having been in my possession since 1985. Worth noting is that this example was featured in "Antiquing and Collecting" magazine September 2003 edition in an article on Japanese Puzzle...

Children's Savings Coin Bank "U.S. Mail" bank , also known as a "still bank"; was American made, circa 1920. This is well made, sturdy, and all original. It is made of cast iron and hand painted in original green paint with gold highlighting. There is no repaint and no restoration. The coins were deposited through the "letter depository"; lift the lever and drop in a coin (see image). When the bank is full, coins are removed by undoing the original square nut in back and the screw in front. Cast into two parts and now separated, the coins are easily collected. Put back together again to insure parts don't go missing (which happened often) and original screw and nut are maintained. This bank was manufactured circa 1920 by the A.C. Williams Company, Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They made many cast iron toys, banks and other products during their time of operation until World War II. The "U.S. Mail" bank is referenced on page 102 #853 in "The Penny Bank Book" by Andy and Susan Moore...

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A charming handmade storage piece in the form of a house with two chimneys. Executed in the American Folk Art style, this is a charming piece that is both decorative and practical. T...

A charming handmade storage piece in the form of a house with a chimney. Executed in the American Folk Art style, this is a charming piece that is both decorative and practical. The ...

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