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"Jonah and The Whale" Mechanical Bank, American, Circa 1890

Creator: Shepard Hardware Company
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
This mechanical bank made of cast iron has broad based appeal and is sought after by collectors of Americana, in addition to those who seek toys and mechanical banks. "Jonah and The Whale" was manufactured by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, having been patented and distributed in 1890. The action is very appealing; enticing a young person to save money. To operate: place a coin on the tray on top of Jonah's head; press down on the lever on the end/side of the bank and release. The coin is thrust into the mouth of the whale as the whale moves his head up and down seemingly "in perpetuity" (a long time).

This particular example is in excellent all original condition with no repairs and in completely original hand painted condition; with nice crisp red paint to the sides, green or aqua to the surface (simulating water) with white paint to imitate waves; the whale is grey and the figures are red and blue. This is a heavy bank which means it was prone to being dropped by a child, so to find a "Jonah and The Whale" mechanical bank in all original condition is an effort.

Dimensions: 10 1/4" long x 3 1/2" wide x 5 1/4" high

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Hand painted cast iron
Condition:	Excellent. All Original
Creation Date:	Circa 1890
Styles / Movements:	Americana, Folk Art, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	232678

Dimensions

W.	3.5 in;	H.	5.25 in;	D.	10.25 in;
W.	8.89 cm;	H.	13.34 cm;	D.	26.04 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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