Rare Antique Cast Iron 4.5 pound 6" Double Dial Security Safe Deposit Penny Bank
Description: Antique (ca. 1880s) and unusually large and heavy cast iron bank in the form of a safe with a dial combination locking mechanism. The safe, which is 6" high and is ~4 3/4" wide and ~4 1/4" deep, weighs about 4 pounds and 9.5 ounces. The safe is decorated with gold colored raised floral motif on all sides and on the door. It is also marked "SECURITY SAFE DEPOSIT" in raised gold colored lettering on the front. The front door has a brass dial which is the combination lock (we will provide the combination to the new owner). The safe has two small iron handles on the sides, a coin slot on top, and two wooden drawers on the inside having metal pulls. The safe is in very good condition with some paint losses, some scratches, a few dings, and some minor rust signs. The wooden drawers are intact but have some paint losses but are all there. The piece is marked 400 in raised numbers and is marked "PAT FEBY.15.81" bottom. There are additional markings on the bottom which are impressed but are not very clear and as such we are unable to figure them out completely. We have been unable to find this bank listed in any of our reference library. We have been able to identify smaller examples on the internet and in our references that are about 4" high as opposed to 6" high. Please see page 104 (bank 891) in Andy and Susan Moor's Book "The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks" Published by Schiffer Books in 1984, for a photo of the smaller example. Please view photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1880s
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The bank measures ~6" high and is ~4 3/4" wide and ~4 1/4" deep. The bank weighs about 4 pounds and 9.5 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked on the bottom with the number "400" in raised numbers and another number below it which is impressed but we are unable to decipher. It is also marked "PAT FEBY.15.81" bottom. There are additional markings on the bottom which are impressed but are not very clear and as such we are unable to figure them out completely.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a great, rare and unusual penny bank in excellent 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 appears to be all original with some paint losses as you can see from the photos. The double dial combination mechanism works fine. The safe is in very good condition with some paint losses, some scratches, a few dings, and some minor rust signs. The interior wooden drawers are intact but have some paint losses, some scratches, and minor dings, but are all there. A great and rather rare bank worthy of a spot in your collection. Please view photos to appreciate the beauty of the bank and for additional condition information.
