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The ultimate toy !  Mechanical banks are an American contribution to the toy world.  Although, examples of mechanical banks date back to the ancient Egyptians, it took post Civil War American mass production to put them on the map.    A mechanical bank is a coin savings device which has some mechanical action.  The vast majority of banks were produced by three companies.   J & E Stevens of Cromwell CT was by far the largest producer of banks.    These banks are characterized with a wonderful form and delicate castings.  Charles Bailey was   one of J & E Stevens master designers.  He conceived some of Steven's greatest banks--Milking Cow, Dentist,  Professor Pug Frog and Jonah Pedestal.   Stevens produced banks from 1869 through 1928.

Shepard Hardware of Buffalo, NY was another large producer of mechanical banks with their first bank being released in 1882.  In 1892 the firm was sold to J & E Stevens.   These banks are characterized by their bold colors and impressive designs.   Many of their banks are highly sought after gems,  Picture Gallery,  Jonah and the Whale and Punch and Judy are some of their finest creations.
The third manufacture who had a major impact on mechanical banks is Kyser and Rex, of Philadelphia PA.  Many of their banks have exceptional detail on these generally small scale banks.  The Zoo and Boys Stealing Watermelons are some of their finest creations.
There are roughly 50 documented manufactures of mechanical banks.  However,    the three mentioned produced some 80% of the banks known.
I have collected mechanical banks since 1969.   I am a former President of the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America.  I  always enjoy discussing mechanical banks!

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