Old Mechanical Banks
A comprehensive study of the subject of mechanical banks, with illustrations.
By INA HAYWARD BELLOWS, 1940
Selected Photos - Part 2 of 2
"The Miser": This bank is made of wood. This unique bank consists of a purse, presumably the miser's purse. The round button on the cord allows the face of the miser to be lifted and the coin deposited. The button is then slipped downward, which action fastens the face so that it cannot be opened. There are several varieties of this bank. A Class "E" bank.
"The Man In The Chair": Catalogs often survive after specimens have
disappeared, which is true in the case of this bank. A patent picture of a similar bank
was found which was called "The Banker Who Pays." The dial in the center of the
figure constituted a wheel for a game of chance; on the front of the bank in small letters
it says, "The banker pays interest at the rate of five to one, if he agrees with you
as to the amount of deposit." A number is called, and if the index stops at the
number called, the bank pays five to one, which is retained. If it stops at ay other
number it does not pay anything. A Class "F" bank.
"Presto Bank": The mouse springs out of the roof when a coin is placed in the slot and the trap pulled. According to one authority, he believes this to be one of the rarest banks. A Class "F" bank. It follows quite closely the old Patent No. 298830, which was patented by Chas. M. Crandell, of Montrose, Pa.
"The Kneeling Chinese Beggar": This bank is made of papier mache and plaster of paris. His head nods when a penny is inserted. There is also a similar bank of a colored boy kneeling and praying. Also nodding his head when a coin is inserted, with an inscription in German on the base. This is a Class "D" bank.
