The Three U.S. Banks
by F.H. Griffith - HOBBIES Magazine - December, 1967
We have a most unusual photo this month concerning the U.S. Bank. This has to do with varieties of a bank and we are indebted to our good friend George Bauer of Pottstown, Pa., for the fortunate circumstances surrounding our being able to present this unique picture.
Variations of mechanical banks are of interest to all mechanical bank collectors and of specific interest to those who collect in this specialized fashion. The text will be short in this case so the photo can be shown in larger detail.
It is most unusual that a rather rare bank with more or less limited production would be manufactured with the differences as noted. The example on the left has no projection in the doorway over the head of the figure or at his feet. The center example has open tops in the upper windows. The bank on the right has a projection in the doorway over the figure and another at his feet. These variations, while rather slight in nature, still required a different pattern in each case, and this is where the main importance lies. Modifications of this type are not easily diagnosed as there is, for example, no improvement in operation or in appearance. Just why the changes were made most likely will never be known.
At a future date the writer will go into further detail on other variations and the new class of "Type" banks as outlined in the November, 1967 issue.
