Up for auction is this Vintage Chrome Oval Still Bank, issued by Charter #12205, “Passaic National Bank & Trust Company of Passaic, New Jersey”.  The bank was Chartered in May of 1922.  This Advertising Still Bank was manufactured between the 1915 – 1925.  The number stamped on the top of the bank; #2983, was the account number of the person who was originally LENT this bank to use. 

Because the bank kept the key to promote home savings, it is rare to see one of these Advertising Still Banks with a key. 

This Advertising Still Bank was manufactured by Automatic Recording Safe Company, of Chicago, Illinois.  The Automatic Recording Safe Company was a very popular and collectible Still Bank Manufacturer.  It utilized a very simplistic compact two-piece design, and made it easy for Bank Tellers to count, stack, record and deposit coinage into customer accounts quickly.  Its oval design required minimal space to count and separate coinage into 6 distinct compartments, which included one compartment each for Cents, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Halves and Currency.  Deposited coins would stack neatly with the help of its internal spider form jig.  There were small die-cut circle slots (windows) with hash marks, so the depositor could see exactly how much money was in the bank, before handing it to the Bank Teller for deposit.  The only case this did not apply to, was the currency slot.  This particular bank utilized the following U.S. Patents:  #758340 – April 26, 1904, #793779 – July 4, 1905, #990534 & 990535 – April 25, 1911 and #1073847 – September 23, 1913.  Automatic Recording Safe Company had a number of different designs and models.  This particular one is known as “The Wealthometer”.  

Automatic Recording Safe Company were manufacturers of very collectible Advertising Still banks.  This bank weighs just under 9 ounces, and its outer shell is built with heavy gauge chromed plated non magnetic spring steel.  The inner spider form jig is made of steel.  The base of the spider jig has an aluminum cap on it to give it a more aesthetic look.  This bank also has a design to prevent the coins from being removed once deposited through each coin slot.

This Home Advertising Bank has most of its original chrome finish remaining.  There are some light scratches on the surface of the Bank, as well as the chrome name plate at the top of the bank.  There is a small ding on the top of the bank at the right corner, probably from it being dropped.  There are also four tiny spots on the top of the bank where some of the chrome finish is gone.  These spots are all 1/8 of an inch in diameter or smaller, and I have marked them, along with the ding in orange. Lastly there is a small spot on the lower left corner where the chrome is gone and the base metal is showing.  None of these issues affect the way this Still Banks looks or operates.  I mention them strictly for accuracy.  This unit measures  3-13/16 inches in length  x  1-13/16 in width at its widest point  x  2-3/8 inches tall, from the bottom base to the top of the rivets that hold the name plate on.  The key and lock work very well.  If this were a coin, I would grade it as an Extra Fine.  Just like a rare coin, I choose not to try to clean this piece up, for fear of ruining its originality.  The new owner can do so if they wish.

This Advertising Still Bank would make a fine addition to any New Jersey National Banknote collection!  This bank was located in Passaic County, so it should appeal to people collecting Banknotes and other Banking Collectibles from that and the surrounding counties.  Don’t let this incredible item get away!