Wonderful and rare, original 1893 Cast Iron Mechanical Bank by J. E. Stevens & Co. of Cromwell, Connecticut titled the \"The World\'s Fair Bank\" (also known as \"Columbus and the Indian\") with exceptionally well preserved, original surface paint and intact and strong working mechanism. This original Cast Iron Mechanical Bank measures approx. 6 1/2\" tall (to the top of the Columbus\' head) and 8 1/4\" by 3 1/4\" at the base.
The World’s Fair Bank was patented October 10, 1893 by Charles A. Bailey (considered the greatest of all mechanical bank designers) of Cromwell, Conn., and assigned by him to the J. & E. Stevens Company. The bank as made by Stevens closely follows the four diagrams which are part of the patent papers. The bank offered here was made prior to the date of the issue of the patent as the terminology \"PAT APLD FOR\" appears above the buffalo on one side and features an exceptionally well preserved, original surface paint.
This rare and highly desirable, Cast Iron Mechanical Bank is ornately designed featuring a buffalo hunt with the Indian on horseback running down the buffalo on one side. On the other side there is considerable floral, leaf and vine work surrounding the center section. In relief in this section is a good representation of Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria.
To operate the bank, a coin is placed in the provided slot in front of the feet of Columbus. It stays in place resting against the end of the log. The lever is then pressed down. The log snaps up and back as the figure of the Indian rises while Columbus lifts his right arm in greeting as the Indian offers him the peace pipe. The coin meantime slides down a slot-like chute into the bank. upon releasing the lever Columbus lowers his right arm.
The bank represents an important event in our history, the discovery of America by Columbus, and it also commemorates an exhibition in honor of Columbus, the Worlds Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Ill. It is one of only three known mechanical banks that utilize an Indian as part of the subject matter. The other two are Chief Big Moon and the Indian and Bear.
The Bank features the original, \"antiqued\" gold surface paint as well as the original, ornately cast base plate with the word \"Columbus\". It retains what appears to be an original Stevens Trap Cover but one that may be from a later bank.
This wonderful, original \"World\'s Fair Bank” Mechanical Bank is very finely cast and retains the vast majority of its original surface paint with the only real area of loss being to the silver paint on the Indian\'s tunic. The Bank is in excellent 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. There is some darkening to the paint in various areas but this was a desired effect produced by the \"antiqued\" surface varnish applied at the time of manufacture. Please see the numerous scans below for a good indication of the outstanding condition of the surface paint which is truly beautiful when viewed \"in hand\".
A wonderful and highly collectible, 1893 J & E Stevens \"World\'s Fair Bank\", Cast Iron Mechanical Bank in outstanding, original surface paint 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 J & E Stevens in the late 19th century. The Bank is backed by our “no questions asked” return policy and lifetime guarantee of authenticity.
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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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