The James Gillespie Estate Soldiers & Cast Iron Toys Auction
Two decorative cast iron safe banks are offered together, including a larger Kyser & Rex "Japanese Safe" and a smaller J. & E. Stevens/Kenton "New York Bank." The Japanese Safe features elaborate Aesthetic Movement decoration, including a crocodile amid bamboo shoots and floral sprays on the front locking door, multi-tiered pagodas nestled among mountain pines on the side panels, and a small bird perched in a lakeside canopy on the reverse. It is marked "JAPANESE SAFE" and "PAT AUG 2 92" along the top border and flared ribbed base. The smaller four-footed New York Bank, cataloged as No. 905 in Andy Moore’s reference work, is finished with dark-lacquered framing and contrasting green-painted panels. An applied brass plaque reads "NEW YORK BANK" across the top lintel, and a coin slot is centered on the roof plate. A hairline structural crack runs along the right edge adjacent to the upper door hinge, and the door knob is missing. No keys are included. The largest bank measures approximately 4.5" L x 4.5" W x 5.5" H.
Condition: GOOD
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