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My grandmother had this mechanical bank in her house for over 50 yrs. She died at 97. Looking for opinions for value and where best to sell? thank you for this website!
This is the description that I have found which is very similar:
Uncle Sam's beard moves as the coin is inserted into his spring-loaded hand drops into the U.S. treasury bag at his feet. There is a plunger behind his umbrella that depressed his arm to drop the coin into the US Treasury bag.
4½"Wx3½"Dx10½"H. 7 lbs.
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Collector Discussion
Do you recognize this piece? Collectors often identify maker marks, share comparable sales, or suggest additional research steps.
Re: Uncle Sam Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
Sorry but this isn't the news you are going to be hoping for. This mechanical bank is based of a model made by Shepards Hardware and patented in 1886. It is a reproduction. They have been reproducing these in various qualities for a very long time. There are numerous obvious give always that show it is a reproduction, I'll list a few without getting into to much detail. The original one had a bottom with holes and a patent date, it also was red. There would not be the mold caps, the overall quality would be much better. The colors are also not what you would expect with an original.
As to value, I would expect it to bring $40-$80.
Regards,
Nick
[email protected]
Re: Uncle Sam Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
Just noticed the "Taiwan" marking... obviously that confirms it's a reproduction above any other evidence previously mentioned as the orifinals were US made. If the bottom piece that stops coins from spilling out is missing I would bring the value down to $20-$40.
Re: Uncle Sam Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
Last time I checked this bank was still being reproduced and available by the box load from China through wholesalers. They routinely come up on Ebay, now at times failing to even get bids.
Re: Uncle Sam Cast Iron Mechanical Bank
I have one that says on the bottom "Reproduced from original in the collection of BOOK OF KNOWLEDGE." My grandmother bought it at an antique store in the early 60's.