1870’s TAMMANY TIGER & BOSS TWEED Cast Iron Still Bank, Extremely Rare
Original 1870’s extremely rare Tammany Tiger cast iron still bank. The bank depicts the Tammany Tiger on the back side & Boss Tweed of famous corrupt politician fame on the front side. The bank measures approximately 3 5/8 inches tall by approximately 3 5/8 inches deep. The base diameter one direction is 2 5/8 inches & the other direction is 2 11/16 inches. The weight of this bank is 16.2 ounces. An example of this bank is listed & pictured in the Still Bank Book by Andy Moore on page # 69 item # 110. In the Moore book he gives the date of manufacture as 1873 & the maker as unknown. An example of this bank is also pictured in the book “Political Banks” by Bob and Shirley Peirce on page #58. There are two chips missing from the iron along the edge where the two halves of the bank fit together. One chip is 1/4 inch by 3/16 inch. Another chip is 9/16 inch by 3/16 inch. There are two thin hairline cracks. One crack is on the back side section to the right of the Tammany Tiger’s head & measures approximately 2 1/2 inches long. Another crack is on the front right side of Boss Tweed & measures approximately 1 3/8 inches long. About one half of the length of the beginning of the second crack is a casting flaw that occurred in the original making. The other one half or so of this second crack extends from the end of the casting flaw. The bank still retains the original screw which shows considerable use. The screw is a little bit loose just like it was when we found the bank. We have chosen not to tighten the screw so as not to put any pressure on the bank. The bank is complete & all original with no repairs, no replacement components, & no touch ups. The bank shows wear to the original gold paint. But, the majority of the original paint still remains. A delightful, charming, & extremely illusive political still bank which is rarely offered for sale in any condition. This example turned up over 38 years ago in the main line area of Philadelphia where it was found by a high end antiques furniture dealer. We pursued this example of the Tammany Tiger bank for over 32 years & only succeeded in acquiring it six years ago from the furniture dealer who acquired it from the family of the original owner over 38 years ago. S and available only to addresses within the U.