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"Rooster" Mechanical Bank. American, Circa 1880's

Creator: Kyser & Rex Co.
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
"Rooster" cast iron mechanical bank was another farmhouse animal popularized by mechanical bank manufacturers during the late 1800's striking an accord with young children. It was made by the Kyser and Rex Company of Frankford, Pennsylvania circa 1880's. Although no patent papers exist, the typical green, yellow, red "splatter" base is typical of Kyser Rex, as can be seen on other banks they manufactured.

To operate: place a coin in the forward section of the slot in the tail above the lever; pull down on the lever.

The rooster moves his head and beak in a realistic fashion a couple of times as the coin drops into the bank. Coins are removed by undoing the screw on the side of the rooster and taking the bank apart. Putting it back together again took some doing which accounts for the preponderance of examples lacking the original lever and being outfitted with a replacement.

This particular example has notable provenance having come from the world renowned Hegarty collection. I have owned it since 1989. It operates perfectly and is in pristine and completely original condition in every aspect, maintaining all original bright paint and the original lever, which is very important for this bank, significantly impacting the value. There is a little wear to the left side of the rooster where it would have been held while operating the lever. Painted in colors of red, black, tan, green, yellow, and white; all in all, it is in the upper echelon of condition for "Rooster" bank.

Dimensions: 6 1/4" high x 5 1/2" wide x 2 1/2" deep

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (exact item)
Origin:	United States, Pennsylvania
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Hand painted cast iron
Condition:	Excellent. Pristine
Creation Date:	Circa 1880
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	227103

Dimensions

W.	5.5 in;	H.	6.25 in;	D.	2.5 in;
W.	13.97 cm;	H.	15.88 cm;	D.	6.35 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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