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Mechanical Bank "Pelican" ca. 1878

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
The Pelican Mechanical Bank is made of cast iron and was manufactured by The J. & E. Steven's Manufacturing Company, in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1878. It was, however, created by John Gerard of the Trenton Lock & Hardware Company in Trenton, New Jersey. This is the best example I've had for sale and is in excellent all original condition and paint. Often times the top beak of the pelican is replaced or repaired----this example has the original beak. There were several variations made of the figure in the pelican's mouth. This is the "mammy" example. The bank was finished in both a gold and a dark japanned appearance---this is the japanned version.

The bank operates as follows:
with the mouth of the pelican closed and "snapped" into place, push a coin through the slot at the top of the pelican's head. His beak will pop up exposing the "mammy" figure while the coin drops into the bank.

Coins are removed by unscrewing the two screws under the base. Bank measures 8" high.

More Information

Origin:	United States, Connecticut
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Cast Iron.
Condition:	Excellent. Near Mint. One of the best I've had.
Creation Date:	Circa 1878.
Styles / Movements:	Americana, Folk Art
Incollect Reference #:	125982

Dimensions

W.	5.32 in;	H.	8 in;
W.	13.51 cm;	H.	20.32 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.