Wonderful and rare, original, 1883 Cast Iron Mechanical Bank by Kyser & Rex titled the \"Lion and Two Monkeys\" with outstanding, original surface paint. This is the tall tree version of this popular mechanical bank. This original Cast Iron Mechanical Bank measures approx. 9\" tall (to the top of the monkey\'s head) and 9\" by 3 1/2\" at the base. Known to collectors as the \"Lion and Two Monkeys, Tall Tree Version\" it was patented in 1883 by L. Kyser & A.C. Rex and manufactured by Kyser & Rex for a number of years thereafter.

The Lion And Two Monkeys was designed and patented by Louis Kyser and Alfred C. Rex of Philadelphia, Pa., July 17, 1883, and made by their company, Kyser & Rex, of the same city. The bank as produced closely follows the patent drawings, both as to configuration and operation. The patent text well covers the actual production bank. The double-peanut shaped section on the tree identifies it as the \"tall tree\" version. To operate the bank, a coin was placed in the right hand of the front monkey. On depressing the operating lever, the hand and arm of the monkey (lacking here) lowers, dropping the coin toward the lion whose mouth opens to receive it. As this action takes place, the baby monkey (lacking here) moves upward and forward on the other monkey’s back and looks down at the lion. Very clever action, and on releasing the lever all parts return automatically to position as shown in the photo. Griffith states \"And, by the way, watch that rear monkey — he’s vulnerable, and more often than not a replacement\".

The Bank is very finely cast and retains the vast majority of its original surface paint. However, the Bank lacks the small monkey but does retain the arm of the small monkey that is attached to the shoulder of the large monkey (this part is usually replaced in 90% of the examples of this Bank that are offered for sale today and is readily available from makers of restoration parts for cast iron Banks and Toys at a total cost of approx. $70).

This wonderful, original \"Lion and Two Monkeys” Mechanical Bank is in very good condition with no cracks, chips, breaks, repairs or damage of any kind. The Bank retains approx. 95% of its original surface paint and the paint is 100% original - the Bank has never been restored, repainted, touched up or altered in any way and the paint is bright and bold, rich and warm. The mechanism is in very good working condition. As stated above, the Bank lacks the small monkey (this part is usually replaced in 90% of the examples of this Bank that are offered for sale today and is readily available from makers of restoration parts for cast iron Banks and Toys at a total cost of $70) but retains the oft missing right arm of the small monkey as well as the original trap cover and the original key. The Lion retains both of his original glass eyes. This Bank is an excellent candidate for restoration and with a small investment will display beautifully. Please see the numerous scans below for a good indication of the condition of the surface paint which is truly beautiful when viewed \"in hand\".

A wonderful and highly collectible, ca1883, Kyser & Rex \"Lion and Two Monkeys” Tall Tree, Cast Iron Mechanical Bank and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

Please Note: The Mechanical Bank offered here is unconditionally guaranteed authentic, original and of the period - manufactured by Kyser & Rex in the late 19th century. The Bank is backed by our “no questions asked” return policy and lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Be sure to check out this seller\'s other sales for a number of early 20th century Cast Iron Toys and Banks which are also being offered for sale this week on !! Overseasshippping is extra and cost will be quoted at buyers request. Massachusetts residents must add 6.25% sales tax.

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Important Notes about Shipping Charges:

The amount quoted for Shipping & Handling is calculated by and is equal to the EXACT amount charged by the Post Office plus a $1.00 \"packing fee\" - the $1.00 fee is our only compensation for the virgin packing materials we use on all of our professionally packaged boxes as well as our cost for the salaried help that does most of our packing - as I am sure you can see, we make NO profit on the Shipping charges and, in fact, our costs are usually greater than the $1.00 fee. Please contact us if there are any issues regarding the cost of shipping.

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