Antique Cast Iron Kenton Toys Red Painted Radio Penny Bank with Combination Lock
Description: Antique and very nice cast iron bank in the form of an early Cabinet Radio with a combination door. This bank is cast in the form of an early radio with sheet? metal sides and back. The front has a door of thin iron having the shape of two speakers in the bottom and a dial in the center towards the top which is the combination dial to open the door. This unlocks when the indicator is lined in the 12 o'clock position and the bank is lightly jiggled (not certain this truly the original combination, but it does open the door). The bank is marked on the bottom with raised lettering spelling the word "KENTONTOYS". The bank is held together with one long screw starting in the top and ending with a nut at the bottom of the bank. These are all original as is the paint of the bank. This is a very nice-looking still penny bank in very good condition. Please see page 101 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 #833). Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1935-1940
Origin: Made in the USA.
Size: The bank measures ~4 1/2" high, is ~3 5/8" at its widest at the base, and ~2 3/16" deep at the base. The piece weighs slightly less than one pound.
Maker: Kenton Toys.
Marks: Has the raised lettering spelling the word "KENTONTOYS" on the bottom of the bank as shown in the 6th photo.
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 but shows considerable losses to the paint (we estimate the piece still has > 80% of its original paint). The exterior has scratches and few dings to the sheet metal sides and back. The bank is all original from the paint to the screw holding it. It retains most of its original paint. The front, which is chromed iron, shows some minor signs of rust. The dial which unlocks the door works by lining the indicator in the 12 o'clock position and the lightly jiggling the bank (not certain this truly the original combination, but it does open the door). All in all, this a very nice bank that is solid, intact, and in very good condition after being around for 90 years. Please view photos to appreciate the beauty of the bank and for additional condition information.
