J. & E. Stevens (CT, 1843-1950), Cast Iron Mechanical "Novelty Bank"

Circa 1870s, painted cast iron, the marked with patent date to the posterior "PATD JUNE 25 1872 / OCT 28 1873" and later pencil inscriptions to the underside, cast as a bank opening to a curved quatrefoil pierced counter with attendant holding a coin tray and depositing across the inner bank counter.

7 x 4 3/4 x 4 3/4 in.

From a Prominent Collector, Aiken, South Carolina

Wire attaching door to figure missing (unable to test mechanical action); later pencil inscriptions to underside; old paint surface with some areas of loss, rubbing, staining, and rust spotting.