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Mechanical Bank "Tammany" Circa 1873. American.

Creator: J. & E. Stevens Company
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
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 Bank", it was later named "Tammany Bank". It was manufactured in Cromwell, Connecticut by the J. & E. Stevens Company.

The operation is quite simple; place a coin in the man's hand; the weight of the coin drops his arm and releases the coin into his vest as he "pockets" the money. It could be that by pocketing the money in his vest he is simulating the corruption of Boss Tweed, a notorious crooked New York politician of Tammany Hall during the 1870's, thus perhaps the name change for the bank at that point in time.

This cast iron bank is in excellent all all original condition with no repairs, no repaint and no touch up of any kind.
"Pat.d Dec. 23, 1873" embossed at the top rear of the bank (see image).

Bank is 4 7/16" long (at the base), 6" high x 3 1/2" wide (overall).

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

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	United States
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Hand painted cast iron
Condition:	Excellent. All original
Creation Date:	Circa 1873
Styles / Movements:	Americana, Traditional, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	294248

Dimensions

W.	3.5 in;	H.	6 in;	D.	4.44 in;
W.	8.89 cm;	H.	15.24 cm;	D.	11.28 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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