The D. Bertholf Auction: Tractors, Implements, Guns, Stoneware and Artwork
Lot 18:
Description
This is a mechanical coin bank titled Monkey Bank, produced as a mid-to-late 20th-century reproduction of a classic 19th-century design originally created by J. & E. Stevens. The piece is constructed of cast iron and features a multi-color hand-painted finish in shades of red, blue, green, and brown with gold-tone accents. The design depicts an organ grinder figure standing next to a music box, with a monkey figure mounted on a horizontal sliding track. A small gold-colored chain connects the monkey to the organ grinder box. The front of the green rectangular base features raised lettering that reads MONKEY BANK. The bank operates via a spring-loaded lever mechanism; when the lever at the rear is depressed, the monkey slides forward to deposit a coin into the music box. No manufacturer marks or patent stamps are visible on the casting. Length: 8 inches Height: 7.5 inches Width: 2.75 inches.
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