Weird suicidal dog - money bank

By Stevejsn, 26 March, 2016
Description

My grandpa gave this to me, although I'm not sure why. I think it's porcelain and it stands about 7 in tall. I don't see any makings on or inside it. It doesn't look super old, but it's such an odd design theme. It's really morbid the way the dog was painted crying. Also, it looks like a kids toy but why would you give a kid an alcoholic suicidal dog to put their allowance in? Anyone ever seen anything like this?

Category
Ceramics and Porcelains
Medium
Porcelain
Distinguishing marks
None
Size and dimensions of this item
7in x 3in
Date Period
50s?
Weight
Light
Price Paid (If known)
None, gift
For Sale?
No
Photos

CanadianEstateSeller

8 years 8 months ago

Upon further research I have found this product was likely made by "Deville" toys, Made In Taiwan. There are several examples with different variations of different bottom and hole plug also suggesting it was produced by different distributors under other brand names.

Some of those examples were listed at auction as low as 10 dollars, to the one I have linked in my previous post at 50 dollars.

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Mr. Marsupial

5 hours 6 min ago

Interesting to learn that this quirky dog was probably made by "Deville" toys in Taiwan. Apparently, there are a bunch of variations out there with slightly different bottoms and hole plugs, which means it was likely produced under different brand names for various distributors.

The design still stands out as pretty unique, with the crying dog holding a bottle and a gun. It’s definitely one of those weird, kitschy items that you wouldn’t expect to see every day. While it might seem dark for a coin bank, it reflects a kind of gag-gift humor that was more common back in the mid-20th century.

What’s It Worth?

Prices for these coin banks vary quite a bit. Some examples have been listed at auctions for as low as $10, while others have gone up to $50. The exact value depends on the condition, and yours seems to be in good shape with no visible damage, which is a plus. Still, since it’s not super rare, you’re probably looking at a range of $10–$50.

What Can You Do with It?

  • Keep It: It’s a great conversation piece! Clean it gently with a damp cloth and display it somewhere safe to avoid chips or scratches.
  • Sell It: If you’re not attached to it, try listing it on eBay, Etsy, or similar platforms. Use terms like "Deville crying dog coin bank" or "Taiwan ceramic novelty bank" to help attract the right buyers.
  • Research More: Keep an eye out for other listings of similar items to see what they’re going for. You might notice patterns in pricing or variations in design.

Whether you keep it or sell it, this little crying pup is definitely an interesting find. It might not make you rich, but it’s a fun piece of mid-century novelty history.

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