Old Cast Iron Humpty Dumpty Mechanical Penny Bank Book of Knowledge Reproduction
Description: A vintage painted cast iron mechanical penny bank in the form of a clown's bust. This colorful mechanical bank known as the Humpty Dumpty Bank and shows a clown with his mouth open and his swinging arm having an open hand where you would put the penny. Once you push on the lever on the left of the clown's back the hand comes against the open mouth and the coin goes into his belly. The bank shows a Humpty Dumpty with a painted face and wearing a small pointed orange hat. This very colorful bank is formed by two halves held together with a screw. It is marked as being a reproduction from the collection of "The Book Of Knowledge". It appears to be all original with the screw still having its original paint on it. Because of that we decided not to open the bank and instead keep it in its unopened condition. The bank has the following semicircular inscription surrounding the screw on the back which reads ""HUMPTY DUMPTY BANK". The clown has a yellow ruffled collar over a blue and orange shirt. Please see page 180 in Don Duer's Book "Penny Banks Around The World with Values" Published by Schiffer Book in 1997, for a photo of the antique example (Bank No. 1472). Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: The bank measures ~7 1/4" high with the base measuring ~5" by ~3 1/2". The piece weighs over 4 pounds and 5 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked on the bottom in raised lettering "REPRODUCED FROM ORIGINAL IN COLLECTION OF THE BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE".
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a great reproduction mechanical penny bank in very good condition, which would make a nice addition to your collection.
Condition: The bank is in very good condition retaining most of its original paint with minimum losses mostly on the lips, teeth and nose. It also has some losses to the edges including the collar top of the ear. It has cracks or repairs. It is all original and shows minimum paint losses and a few marks on the surface. The screw holding the bank together appears to be original and is still painted over. The only issue we see is a break in the metal on the bottom near the opening where the coins would be withdrawn and the plug, which surely was in that opening is lost (see sixth and eighth photos). Other than that, the bank is in good condition and would display very well in your collection. Please view photos to appreciate the beauty of the bank and for additional condition information.
