Item Details:

UNCLE SAM CAST IRON MECHANCAL BANK

SHEPARD HARDWARE CO., BUFFALO, NY

AMERICAN FOLK ART, circa 1886

Cast Iron, Polychrome

Size: 4 15/16 x 12 x 4 in; 12.5 x 30.5 x 10.2 cm

Patented June 8, 1886, # 16,728.

A very comical appearance is given to the face, the lower jaw being balanced on pivots and easily kept in motion.

Directions for use: The coin is placed in the hand, and the small knob on top of box pressed upon, which lowers the arm and opens the satchel to receive the deposit, the lower jaw in the face moving at the same time.”

Much could be written about the historical significance of Uncle Sam, but it’s sufficient to say that his initials (U.S.) stand for the United States, and every U.S. citizen is well aware of their famous uncle.

Although the original bank was probably made for not more than 6 years, its popularity had caused many reproductions to follow. In fact, Uncle Sam reproductions are still being made at the time of this writing.

One unique part of this design is the rectangular locking coin trap located on the back panel of the bank, as opposed to being on the bottom. Therefore, the trap was painted to match the red color of the bank and, while many collectors are not too particular whether a bank contains its respective coin trap, the UNCLE SAM BANK is generally devalued if its trap is either missing or recast. (The base length is 4-15/16".)

Relatively little is known about the Shepard Hardware Company. They were obviously in the business of designing and selling hardware items, as were some of the other producers of cast iron mechanical banks.

In any event, Shepard entered into the mechanical bank field in about 1882 and available information indicates they sold out their line of toy banks in 1892. The impact Shepard had on the mechanical bank market was astounding when you consider the fact they were able to design, patent, produce, and effectively distribute 15 high quality banks within a time span of only about 10 years.

Provenance: Private collection, New York City from whom the current owner obtained the work