Uncle Sam Mechanical Bank Circa 1886-1892
in Toys & Games
Overview
A typical American bank. Uncle Sam in his usual dress stove pipe hat, blue full dress coat and red and white striped trousers leaning on his ever-present umbrella, stands on a 4x5 inch base.
Asking Price: $2700.00
Shipping Cost (U.S.): $0.00
Offers Accepted: Yes
Contact Information
Contact E-mail: Email this Seller
Description
The Uncle Sam mechanical bank was made by the Shepard Hardware Company of Buffalo, New York, in 1886. It is a popular bank, though not as rare as some less colorful ones.
Made of cast iron, and standing 11-1/2 inches high, it has been hand painted with bright colors. Uncle Sam has a ruddy pink face, long white hair that falls to his shoulders, and a beard that extends to the first button on his blue star-spangled vest. Red and white striped trousers, a dark blue frock coat, red and white striped bow tie, and a gray top hat with blue band decorated with silver stars completes his costume.
The figure is represented as standing on a platform of simulated boards, the front decorated with an eagle and the legend "Uncle Sam." He holds a dark green umbrella in his left hand, and a brown carpet bag rests nearby at his feet.
The action is both clever and realistic. A coin is placed between the thumb and four fingers of Uncle Sam's extended right hand. When the action lever (located just in back of the umbrella} is pushed down, his lower jaw goes up closing his mouth, and the carpet bag springs open. When the lever is released the bag closes, the coin drops into a receptacle below, and Uncle Sam's beard, being counterbalanced, bobs up and down for almost a full minute.
Photo Gallery
