Antique AC Williams Cast Iron Tank Bank USA 1918 Still Penny Bank
PennDescription: Antique and very nice cast iron bank in the form of a World War I tank with fixed turret and side gun ports. The bank still retains over 80% of its original golden brass color and shows great details. It shows the observation windows ion the cupola above the turret, the front cannon, the side guns with one pointing to the front and one pointing to the side. It also shows the links of the chains and the bolt heads holding the tank together. The tank has the words "TANK BANK U.S.A." on the side gun cabin in raised lettering. It also has the date 1918 in raised numbers on both sides of the bank. The bank is made of two halves held together with a screw, which we believe may not be original to the tank and is a later replacement. The bank was manufactured by A. C. Williams Co, of Ravenna, Ohio, in the 1920's. This bank is all original, with possibly the exception of the screw holding the two halves together. It retains quite a bit of its original golden finish. The slot to insert the coin is on the top of the observation cupola. This is a very nice-looking penny or coin bank in very good condition. Please see page 129 in Andy and Susan Moor's Book "The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks" Published by Schiffer Books in 1984, for a photo of a similar example (bank #1437). Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Sometime in 1920s
Origin: Made in Ravenna, Ohio, USA.
Size: The bank measures ~3 1/4" high, is ~3" at its widest where the two side pointed guns are, and ~5 3/4" long. The piece weighs slightly over one pound and six ounces.
Maker: AC Williams.
Marks: Unmarked as to the maker.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a great penny bank in very good condition, which would make a nice addition to your collection.
Condition: The bank is in very good condition. It has no chips, cracks, breaks, or repairs. It is all original, except for the screw holding it together, which we believe is a later replacement. The bank has losses to the golden brassy finish and we estimate the bank still retains over 80% of its original paint. The exterior has scratches and a few minor dings. Other than that, the bank is solid, intact, and in very good condition after being around for 100 years. Please view photos to appreciate the beauty of the bank and for additional condition information.
