The owner has decided to part with much of his collection and he continues that tonight. This is the “PROFESSOR PUG FROG’S GREAT BICYCLE FEAT” Mechanical Bank circa 1880’s manufactured by the J. In 1886 bicycle mania was sweeping the nation. Roads and sidewalks of American cities were teeming with cyclists, perched atop their newfangled high wheelers. It was also a time of unparalleled popularity enjoyed by American circuses. It is, therefore, no surprise that when Charles Bailey, master bank and toy designer, approached the J. Here, indeed, was a mechanical bank that, most definitely, would appeal to almost everyone, children and adults alike. The charm of a delightful frog, a bicycle, a circus clown and Mother Goose, combined with the practicality of a children’s savings device, could prove nothing less than a real sales bonanza. The bank is in. And retains much of the original paint which is. There are no cracks, breaks or other damage. The bank works well;however, the operating spring needs an adjustment. The spring needs pushed forward while winding in order to get the bank set for action. This can, no doubt, be corrected by someone in the field. The last picture is from the Marshall Field 1893 catalog. The action of the “Professor Pug Frog” bank is both amusing and surprising. The bank must first be wound in order to operate properly. This is accomplished by rotating the bicycle peddle clockwise several turns. Once wound, a coin is placed upon the flat area above the small pedal wheel. The lever in front of Mother Goose’s left hand is then tapped. The frog and his bicycle rapidly rotate 360 degrees, throwing the coin into the clown’s gaping basket. The rear wheel strikes the book held by Mother Goose and that, in turn, strikes her face which causes her tongue to wiggle. The round Steven’s Trap to remove the coins is included. This bank is approximately 11″ long, 3 1/2″ wide and 8 high. The item “Cast Iron PROFESSOR PUG FROG-RARE Mechanical Bank Original Antique Americana” is in sale since Thursday, June 01, 2017. 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