Antique Mechanical Bank, 1879
"I ALWAYS DID 'SPISE A MULE"

Great vintage MECHANICAL BANK...."I ALWAYS DID 'SPISE A MULE" in really nice condition with 50% original paint. The bank functions as designed. It has had a repair to the release mechanism and operates perfectly. NO other repairs or replaced parts. It has terrific character and charm with superb age related patina.

This wonderful vintage treasure was made by J & E STEVENS Co., Cromwell, Ct. based on a Patent No. 214,615 issued to James Bowen on April 22, 1879. It also has the ORIGINAL trap door (which is almost always missing) dated Feb 1875. Size 10" long.

This bank was issued in two versions, this was the Original and most Rare version. The second was a more commonly seen Mule Kicking Boy on Bench released nearly 20 years later in 1897. That version is the one most seen, including on Ebay. However, this version rarely appears on the market. 

I have included a couple of links for reference, where this same bank appeared on the market, including a recent major antique bank auction that took place a few months ago. You'll see this same bank sold for $2300 and $4800.

https://www.morphyauctions.com/steckbeck_prices.html

https://antiques-internet.com/colorado/swspirit/dynapage/IP534.htm