Mechanical bank: Organ

ca. 1881

Place madePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North America

Iron, paint

Overall: 5 7/8 x 4 x 3 in. ( 14.9 x 10.2 x 7.6 cm )

Purchased from Elie Nadelman

1937.1236

This bank was based on Patent No. 242,139, issued to Louis Kyser and Alfred C. Rex on May 31, 1881 (See Publications).

DescriptionCast iron semi-mechanical bank in the form of monkey sitting cross-legged on top of organ, holding tray in one hand and hat in the other, joined by a turnpin; organ with cast decoration consisting of pipes on front, floral swags on lower section, standing on four feet; cast inscription on front of organ; when coin is placed on tray and crank is turned clockwise, the monkey lowers the tray and deposits the coin, while he tips his hat forward and bells ring.

Markingscast: on front: "ORGAN BANK" cast: on reverse: "PAT. MAY 31. 1881

ClassificationsTOYS