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"Watchdog Safe" Mechanical Bank, Circa 1890

Creator: J. & E. Stevens Company
Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
"Watchdog Safe" mechanical bank was manufactured by the prolific toy coin bank manufacturer J. & E. Stevens Company in Cromwell, Connecticut in 1890. "Patent Applied For" appears in gold stenciling on the rear lower style, but we know the manufacturing date from advertisements that appeared around 1890 (It was advertised as "Watchdog Bank"). The bank is made of cast iron and is decorated with a Roman type figure in gold raised relief on each side; bird and floral motif to the top; recessed panels to the back; and a white, spotted dog who guards the safe in the front.
The action of the bank is quite simplistic, as it operates as follows:
place a coin in the slot provided at the top of the bank; raise the lever on the right side; this causes the coin to drop and the dog to open his mouth and "bark", by means of a bellows which is installed on the inside of the door (see image) and is operable.
Coins are removed by the combination of three rolled dials in front; that combination being 7--2--1 (only one I have seen with this combination).
Bank has a beautiful original finish, in completely original paint and in excellent condition. There is a minor casting flaw to the rear style, which does not affect the overall integrity of the bank. Prices for this bank have exceeded $20,000 in outstanding condition, which attests to the difficulty of finding a good example of "Watchdog Safe" bank in original paint and condition.
Dimensions:
4 1/2" wide x 4" deep x 5 13/16" high

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	United States, Connecticut
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Cast Iron
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	Circa 1890
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Americana, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	125912

Dimensions

W.	4.5 in;	H.	5.82 in;	D.	4 in;
W.	11.43 cm;	H.	14.78 cm;	D.	10.16 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.