Wonderful and rare, original, 1883 Cast Iron Mechanical Bank by Kyser & Rex titled the “Lion and Two Monkeys”. This is the rarer “Short Tree” version of this popular Mechanical Bank. This original Cast Iron Mechanical Bank measures approx. 8 1/2″ tall (to the top of the monkey’s head) and 9″ by 3 1/2 at the base. Known to collectors as the “Lion and Two Monkeys, Short Tree Version” it was patented in 1883 by L. Rex and manufactured by Kyser & Rex for a number of years thereafter. The Lion And Two Monkeys was designed and patented by Louis Kyser and Alfred C. Rex of Philadelphia, Pa. July 17, 1883, and made by their company, Kyser & Rex, of the same city. The bank as produced closely follows the patent drawings, both as to configuration and operation. The patent text well covers the actual production bank. The single-peanut shaped section on the tree identifies it as the “short tree” version. To operate the bank, a coin was placed in the right hand of the front monkey. On depressing the operating lever, the hand and arm of the monkey (lacking here) lowers, dropping the coin toward the lion whose mouth opens to receive it. As this action takes place, the baby monkey (lacking here) moves upward and forward on the other monkey’s back and looks down at the lion. Very clever action, and on releasing the lever all parts return automatically to position as shown in the photo. Griffith states “And, by the way, watch that rear monkey – he’s vulnerable, and more often than not a replacement”. The small monkey here appears to be a replacement (although we are not 100% sure). The Bank is very finely cast but does appear to have been overpainted a very long time ago. Please see the scans below for a good representation of the form and surface paint of this wonderful 19th century Mechanical Bank. This wonderful, original “Lion and Two Monkeys” Mechanical Bank is in good to very good condition with no cracks, chips, breaks, repairs or damage of any kind. As stated above, the Bank has an early overpaint. The mechanism is in very good working condition. As stated above, the Bank does have a small monkey that is likely a replacement although e are not 100% sure (these parts are usually replaced in 90% of the examples of this Bank that are offered for sale today). The Bank lacks its original trap cover but the Lion retains both of his original glass eyes. Please see the numerous scans below for a good indication of the form of this wonderful Mechanical Bank and the condition of the surface paint. A wonderful and highly collectible, ca1883, Kyser & Rex “Lion and Two Monkeys” Short Tree, Cast Iron Mechanical Bank and a fantastic addition to any collection!! Please Note: The Mechanical Bank offered here is unconditionally guaranteed authentic, original and of the period – manufactured by Kyser & Rex in the late 19th century. And Click Here to Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers List. Click Here to Discover More About this Item and Many Others on Our New Informational / Non-Commercial / Reference Blog – Walnutts. The free listing tool. The item “1883 LION & TWO MONKEYS CAST IRON MECHANICAL BANK SHORT TREE By KYSER & REX” is in sale since Friday, July 03, 2015. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Banks, Registers & Vending\Mechanical Banks”. The seller is “walnutts” and is located in Brewster, Massachusetts. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Original/Reproduction: Original