Tin mechanical registering bank circa 1937 showing gnomes rolling Mercury dimes on the back. On one of the dimes shown on the back we are able to read the date of 1937. So, that is why we are attributing the date of manufacture to circa 1937. The front shows the mother pouring coins from a box in to the daughter's container around her neck. The brother is wearing a baseball uniform & is holding a baseball bat as him & the pet dog watch the coins dropping in to his sister's container.
The bank is marked on the bottom "Patents Pending Made In U.S.A." There are very detailed instructions on the bottom for operating the bank. It is mentioned that the bank door on the bottom opens when the 50th coin is inserted. So, the bank would open when $5.00 total in dimes was saved. With each insertion of a dime in to the slot on the top of the bank the wheels or gears inside turn & then indicate the current total amount of money that is in the bank.
We have tested the bank by individually inserting dimes, which require pressure to insert, & the bank does properly register the dimes as they are inserted. But, we have not been able to test the function of the door/bank trap since we do not know how to properly install the door.
The door or bank trap is present. But, the door or bank trap does not (currently) attach to the inside mechanism. On the inside of the door there is a latch that moves & there is also a spring. It seems like the spring should be attached to the movable latch. But, we have left this door just like we found it. Also, we do not know whether or not there is some tiny piece missing off of the door interior?
Or is it a simple thing of just attaching the spring to the movable latch? We really do not know. So, the door will need some sort of adjustment, & or possibly some tiny piece that is missing? to function as mentioned in the instructions under the bank.
The vast majority of the litho is present on the bank. The bank shows wear from use, some minor thin scratches, some surface aging to the tin, & some overall dirt & soiling. The door/trap has some surface rust inside. There is the general overall look that this bank would probably clean up a lot. But, we will leave that option up to the buyer. The bank is 4 7/8 inches tall by 3 3/4 inches wide by 1 7.8 inches thick. The bank has a weight of 4.5 ounces.
Please examine the photos closely and purchase based on your own judgement as to condition and value. This item is inventory #10069.
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