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"Toad On Stump" Mechanical Bank. American, Circa 1886

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

Description
Charming cast iron mechanical bank entitled "Toad on Stump"; manufactured by the J. & E. Stevens Company; Circa 1886 in Cromwell, Connecticut. Subtle action and method of depositing the coin; simply press down on the lever at the rear right leg of the frog; his mouth opens in anticipation of the coin which is then deposited. Release the lever and he closes his mouth waiting for the next coin. When filled, coins are removed by undoing and rotating the coin trap underneath the bank. The bank is in excellent and completely all original condition with no restoration of any kind and no repaint or touch-up. The bank is hand painted as follows: the frog is painted green; the stump is painted brown with hand painted gold foliage highlights. The underneath is painted a dark brown and retains the original coin trap.The casting exhibits lifelike characteristics with fine detail to the frog's web feet, mottled back, and cast eyes, with a realistic looking cast tree stump beneath him.
To my knowledge, the bank has never been reproduced.

Dimensions: 4" long x 3 5/8" wide x 3" high.

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.

More Information

Documentation:	Ample Provenance
Origin:	United States, Connecticut
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Hand Painted Cast Iron
Condition:	Excellent. All Original
Creation Date:	Circa 1886
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	257777

Dimensions

W.	3.63 in;	H.	3 in;	D.	4 in;
W.	9.22 cm;	H.	7.62 cm;	D.	10.16 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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