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Spelter Still Bank "Seated Cat With A Bow" German, Circa 1920

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
The term "spelter" refers to a zinc/lead metal compound used to pour and make castings. Because of the thinness of the castings there is great detail to the subject matter of these banks. Spelter banks are highly sought after today, both because of their rarity and their whimsical charm. In addition to not many having been made, the fact that they were so fragile with thin castings, is the leading reason for their scarcity. Repairs are commonplace with most specimens, and because of their desirability, most minor restorations are acceptable.

This particular spelter bank is called "Seated Cat With A Bow" and is referenced as #175-b in "Painted German Spelter Banks" by Pierce; rated as a "B" bank in terms of rarity. The bank is in excellent condition with no repairs, and is hand painted and in all original paint, with a black cat and a red bow. The cat has green eyes. The bank maintains the original "trick lock" hanging from the hasp, which when unlocked allows the head to be raised back on the rear neck hinge; to open up the bank and remove the coins. The bank is of German manufacture circa 1920.

Dimensions: 4 1/2" high x 2 3/8" wide x 3 1/4" deep

More Information

Origin:	Germany
Period:	1920-1949
Materials:	Hand Painted Spelter
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Circa 1920
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art
Incollect Reference #:	238205

Dimensions

W.	2.38 in;	H.	4.5 in;	D.	3.25 in;
W.	6.05 cm;	H.	11.43 cm;	D.	8.26 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.