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"Tammany Bank" Antique Cast Iron Mechanical Bank

For Sale by Auction in
Worthington, Ohio, US

Antique J & E Stevens cast iron “Tammany Bank,” designed to satirize political corruption in the 1870’s.  When a coin is placed in the figure’s right hand, the money drops into his pocket.  Per AI via Spurlock Museum and two additional sources.  With our rotund fellow, a dime does not move the arm, and a…

Auction Ohio
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Location
Worthington, Ohio, United States (US)

Item description:

Antique J & E Stevens cast iron “Tammany Bank,” designed to satirize political corruption in the 1870’s.  When a coin is placed in the figure’s right hand, the money drops into his pocket.  Per AI via Spurlock Museum and two additional sources.  With our rotund fellow, a dime does not move the arm, and a penny takes it more than half way, but still not into the pocket.  Fabulous find.  Patented Dec 23, 1873.