This is the “DENTIST BANK” Mechanical Bank designed by Charles Bailey and manufactured by the J. It is being listed with no reserve and a reasonable starting price. This is a popular bank representing an unpopular profession. Makes this a favorite of bank collectors past and present. The “Dentist” mechanical bank not only portrays its namesake as a buffoon, but uses his helpless patient to incorporate 19th century anti-black sentiments. There are no cracks, breaks or other damage. The bank still retains much of the original paint. Of the few Dentist banks that remain after 125 years, very few still have the original paint with no repaints or touch ups. Originally, collectors were unsure about the history of the bank. After some investigation it was decided that it must have been made by the J. This is based upon similarities observed between the Dentist Bank and several others made by the Stevens Co. Specifically, the “Bad Accident” bank has, as its subject, a black farmer riding atop a donkey cart. This figure is quite similar in casting and attitude to the black patient occupying the dentist’s chair. Also, the boy in the “Milking Cow” bank made by Stevens bears a resemblance to the Dentist’s patient. It is interesting to note the large humped object behind the dentist, since it illustrates the method by which nineteenth century dentists administered anesthesia to their patients. A large animal hide bag was inflated with nitrous oxide, by exerting a slight amount of foot pressure to this gas bag, the dentist was able to control the flow of anesthetic to a mask over the patient’s face. To operate, a coin is placed in the left pocket of the dentist. The lever located at the feet of the figures is then depressed. The figure of the dentist falls backward against the gas bag and the coin drops from his pocket into the provided slot on top of the gas bag. The bag also stores the coins. In the dentist’s right hand is a pair of extractors and in these is a large tooth. As the dentist falls backward the patient also falls backward in total surprise, throwing his arms up at the same time. He falls backward along with the chair. The patient is fastened to the chair back and this tilts over with the figure. Both figures are then reset together and the bank is ready to operate again. The coins are removed by removing a screw which holds the gas bag to the base of the bank. The bank is in proper working order and is approximately 10″ long, 3 1/4″ wide and 5 high. This is a great opportunity to make this exclusive bank a part of your collection! The item “Cast IronDENTIST BANK VERY RARE Mechanical Bank Original Antique Americana Toy” is in sale since Sunday, February 21, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Banks, Registers & Vending\Mechanical Banks”. The seller is “thingsnsuch100″ and is located in Brookfield, Ohio. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
• Original/Reproduction: Original