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Submarine On Base "Hunley" Still Bank, American, Circa 1950

Creator: Banthrico, Inc. - American Civil War
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
This is one of the more rare and sought after still banks. Submarine on Base "Confederate Hunley" Still Bank depicts and commemorates, as stated on the facing name plate, "Sank Federal Gunboat Housatonic Feb. 17, 1864". Unfortunately, the 40 foot long "Hunley" also sank in the same battle killing it's entire crew. Only recently was it located at the bottom of Charleston harbor and raised in the year 2000.
The reverse facing plate says " Citizens & Southern National Bank of South Carolina"; a bank which was established in 1887 but has since merged.

Manufactured by Banthrico Inc. in Chicago, circa 1950's, this particular example is quite extraordinary in that, it is in mint condition; has the original banthrico key; comes with the original shipping box; and most significantly, it still has the elusive plunger which is missing almost all of the time. The reason being is because the plunger fits loosley in the small hole provided for it at the back of the submarine. There are no repairs of any kind. Olive colored paint is completely intact. Coins are removed via a locking coin trap underneath the base (see image). It is as if purchased from the store or acquired from the bank when opening an account. A great opportunity, to acquire for your collection, a totally complete, best condition example of this difficult to find still bank. Collectors of nautical memorabelia would also appreciate this item.

Dimensions: 10" long (with plunger attached) x 2 1/4" wide x 2 3/8" high. Fits in 8 1/4" long box with plunger detached for shipping.

The bank is noted as #501 page 121 in the extensive Banthrico reference book "Coin Banks" by James L. Redwine written in 2001.

I am a leading specialist in the field of antique 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 my other bank listings I am offering for sale.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States
Period:	1950-1979
Materials:	Cast and painted White Metal
Condition:	Excellent. Mint with Original Shipping Box; Original "Plunger"; and Original Banthrico Key
Creation Date:	Circa 1950
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	254587

Dimensions

W.	10 in;	H.	2.38 in;	D.	2.25 in;
W.	25.4 cm;	H.	6.05 cm;	D.	5.72 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.

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