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

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...

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 ...

A unique and quite scarce bank, made in Japan by the Marusan Company for the American market in the 1950's; this all tin bank is known as (according to the gr...

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...

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...

"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...

ABOUT A 1957 vintage mechanical bank by Astro, Model 1957-A. The trigger to launch the coin works well. You cock it by pulling it down, place t...

A very nice original cast iron bank, which is a bank building. Not repainted, or touched up. That is most important to any collector. A neat little e...

Rare 19th Century Bank Check Drawn on the "National Whaling Bank" of New London, Connecticut, written on 23 December and deposited and cancelled on 5 January 1872. The check is adorn...

Subjects Portrayed in Japanese color-prints by Basil Stewart. London: Degan Paul, Trench, Turner and Co. Ltd., 1922. Second edition hardcover with no dust jacket as issued. 380 pp. A...

Vintage Winona Savings Bank of Minnesota money box with key, circa 1930s. The box is in good vintage condition and measures 4.5"W x 2.25"D x 3.25"H. The locking mechanism works (jus...

Cash register in nickel-plated chased brass with white marble edge. “National”, Dayton Ohio, USA, 1880-1910. A very decorative object. It works, but 100% functionality is not guaran...