Mechanical bank
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/24/Mechanical_Bank_2.jpg/200px-Mechanical_Bank_2.jpg)
Mechanical banks are small containers with a decorative mechanical action, used to store coins. They were originally intended to promote saving money among children in the mid-19th century. Frequently made of cast iron, mechanical banks were often creatively designed, depicting historical, legendary or everyday events to increase their appeal. Each bank performed a stunt or an action when a coin was dropped into a slot and a lever was pulled. The banks quickly became popular with children and adults alike and soon became a sought-after collector's item.
See also
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[edit]References
[edit]- Dan Morphy (2007). The Official Price Guide to Mechanical Banks. House of Collectibles. ISBN 978-0-375-72261-5.