This is the “UNCLE SAM” Mechanical Bank circa 1880’s manufactured by the Shepard Hardware Co. “Uncle Sam” was covered by a design patent dated June 8, 1886 and a regular patent November 16, 1886, both of which were issued to Charles Shepard and Peter Adams. This is one of the larger mechanical banks and the paint is exceptionally well done with fine facial detail and other parts in bright appropriate colors. The Uncle Sam bank is one with a patriotic theme. It is unusual to find this bank in near pristine condition. The red and white paint on Uncle Sam’s trousers and the paint on his vest are particularly strong. There are no cracks, breaks or other damage and displays handsomely. In an article in Collector’s Showcase dated April, 1982 Bill Norman wrote that the “Uncle Sam bank probably was made for only six years”. With so few banks surviving, it is difficult to find this bank in such great condition. This is a rare opportunity to make this one-of-a-kind bank a part of your collection. To operate, a coin is placed in the figure’s extended right hand. A lever to the back of the umbrella is then pressed down. The satchel opens and the right arm lowers so that the coin falls into the base. At the same time the mouth of the figure closes, tilting the beard forward and upward. On releasing the lever, the arm raises and the bag closes. Uncle Sam’s beard, being counter-balanced, then swings up and down. The bank is in proper working order and has an original rectangular coin trap. The key is included. The bank is approximately 11 1/2″ tall, and the base is 4″ x 4 7/8. The item “Cast Iron UNCLE SAM NEAR PRISTINE Mechanical Bank Original Antique Toy” is in sale since Tuesday, September 10, 2019. 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