Antique J&E Stevens RECLINING CHINAMAN Cast Iron Bank
Antique J&E Stevens RECLINING CHINAMAN Cast Iron Bank. Exceptional and very rare “Reclining Chinaman” mechanical cast iron bank, manufactured by J&E Stevens. The bank was designed by James H. Bowen — whose designs are called “ingeniously animated” by Norman’s Bank Book — and covered under an 1882 patent (he designed four banks in the 1880s covered under the same patent). To operate this bank, you place a coin next to the man’s right leg (it stays in place). When you press the lever at the end of the log (behind the man), he simultaneously flips his cards over to reveal four aces in one hand, and draws his other hand to his chin. The coin unceremoniously drops into the slot. This bank is in excellent condition, with no damage or missing pieces other than the bottom cap. There is some paint loss here and there, all of which is visible in the images below. There is some rust, most notably on the inside, that does not affect or bind the mechanism in any way. This is absolutely guaranteed to be authentic in every way and not a reproduction. All of its internal parts are guaranteed original. I believe the paint to be original. The bank works well and smoothly. Measurements: 8-1/4″ long, 4-1/2″ high. Our High Resolution Photographs are provided for your detailed inspection of the item. Thank you for viewing! Thank you for browsing our store. We hope to earn your business. The item “Antique J&E Stevens RECLINING CHINAMAN Cast Iron Bank” is in sale since Tuesday, March 07, 2017. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Banks, Registers & Vending\Mechanical Banks”. The seller is “opamerica” and is located in Clearwater, Florida. This item can be shipped worldwide.