Wonderful and rare, original ca1930 Black Americana, Cast Iron Mechanical Bank by Sydenham & McOustra titled the “The Jolly (N word) Bank” and known to collectors as the original “High Hat” version of that Bank. This outstanding, original Cast Iron Mechanical Bank measures approx. 6 1/2″ tall and 3 7/8″ by 2 at the base. This Mechanical Bank carries the title “Jolly Nigger Bank” cast on the back of the bust. The first Jolly Nigger Mechanical Bank was patented in 1882 and manufactured by the Shepard Hardware Company for about 10 years before the rights were assumed by J. Stevens who produced the Bank for many years. The Bank offered here is a rare example manufactured in England by Sydenham & McOustra around 1930 and features a separately cast, open top hat that sits at a jaunty angle of the gentleman’s head. The following description was written in 1982 by Bill Norman in his article on the Mechanical Banks of The Shepherd Hardware Company published in Collectors Weekly Magazine. Patented March 14, 1882, #12,814. The Coin is placed in the palm of the hand when the Arm is raised automatically by a small projecting thumb-piece behind the left shoulder depositing the coin in the mouth: the tongue falling back and the eyes rolling upwards at the same time. Today, some people might find this characterization offensive. However, the black race was thought of as a happy-go-lucky bunch, which is reflected by the smile on his face. This bank was by far the most popular mechanical theme of all time. It was produced for 10 years by Shepard, which was followed with another 40 years of production by the J. In addition, many similar banks were made in England. This wonderful, ca1930 Black Americana “High Hat” version of the “Jolly (Negro) Bank” Mechanical Bank is exceptionally heavy, very finely cast and retains a significant amount of its original surface paint. The paint is 100% original – the paint has never been restored, repainted, touched up or altered in any way. The Bank is in good working condition and the mechanism is smooth and as manufactured. There are no crack, breaks, chips, repairs or physical damage to the cast iron. There is paint loss to the hand of the figure and scattered spots of paint loss as can be seen in the scans below. The bottom plate / trap of the Bank has been replaced a long time ago as can also be seen in the scans below. Please see the numerous scans below for a good indication of the condition of the surface paint on the Bank. A wonderful and rare, original ca1940 Black Americana, Cast Iron Mechanical Bank by Sydenham & McOustra titled the Jolly Nigger Bank” (“High Hat version) 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 the Sydenham & McOustra in the early 20th century. The free listing tool. The item “Ca1930 CAST IRON MECHANICAL BANK BLACK AMERICANA JOLLY BANK MAN HIGH HAT VERSION” is in sale since Friday, February 17, 2017. 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.

• Brand: J. E. Stevens
• Original/Reproduction: Original