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Mechanical Bank "Speaking Dog" ca. 1885 with Original Wooden Box

Creator: Shepard Hardware Company
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Manufactured in 1884 by the Shepard Hardware Company in Buffalo, New York, this cast iron mechanical bank measures 7 1/8" long and is in excellent all original condition and paint. There is no touch up or repaint, and no restoration of any kind. Colors of bright red on the dress, flesh tones, tan colored dog, and maroon base are all very bright and crisp. The bank is accompanied by the original wooden box in which it was originally shipped; a very special find and charming piece of Americana. Rare to find the original box. The bank and box came directly from an estate and the original owner. The theme of the bank depicts a young Victorian girl playing with her golden retriever. It is one of only four antique mechanical banks that features a young girl.

The bank operates as follows:
Place a coin on the tray being held by the girl. Press down on the lever in front of the girl and the girl moves her arm downward dropping the coin into the bank while the trap door opens and the dog opens his mouth and wags it's tail.

Dimensions: 7 1/8" long x 3 1/16" wide x 7 1/2" 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.
Note: Please see my other mechanical bank listings I am offering for sale.

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, New York
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Cast Iron. Hand Painted
Condition:	Excellent. All original with no repaint and no rerpairs. Original wooden box.
Creation Date:	Circa 1885.
Number of Pieces:	2-3
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Victorian
Incollect Reference #:	127120

Dimensions

W.	7.13 in;	H.	7.5 in;	D.	3.07 in;
W.	18.11 cm;	H.	19.05 cm;	D.	7.8 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.