Description: This is a vintage cast iron mechanical bank manufactured during the 1960’s. It is a replica of an original piece in the James D. Capron Collection. The original item was designed by Charles A. Bailey for Cromwell, Connecticut's J. & E. Stevens Company, circa 1890. This piece is titled “Bad Accident”. Mr. Capron was a renowned collector of mechanical cast iron banks that filled American shops in the late 19th Century, and later decided to manufacture replicas of some items in his collection. He manufactured and sold reproductions of these antique coin banks in the early 1960's through his company Mechanical Replicas, Inc. located in Boonville, NY. The castings were produced by Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonites and assembled and painted by a team of between 5 to 7 ladies inside of a building at the Boonville airport. The Capron reproductions are higher quality in fit, finish, and detail than the common reproductions of antique mechanical banks that were imported to USA, but his products were only produced for a short time in the 1960's due to cheap imports from China and Taiwan entering the USA market at lower cost than Mr. Capron could produce his banks. The toy bank depicts a harnessed donkey or mule pulling a two-wheeled cart with an African-American driver who is enjoying a large slice of watermelon as he rides along. It works by inserting a coin under the driver's feet to drop into a coin bank provided by the bed of the wagon. Normally the donkey and cart are horizontal and a spring release lever on the side allows the donkey's foot to be released, resulting in the cart tilting upward and backward, thus depositing the coin into the bank. The piece does have damage. The catch for the donkey's foot no longer works, so the cart remains poised in the tilted position. It is also missing the small African-American child that was attached near the spring release (see photo), who was hiding behind a green bush who surprised the donkey, causing it to rear up, resulting in the" bad accident". This piece has some wonderful bright colors, with the donkey's red and black bridle, the bright yellow cart, and the driver's blue and red outfit with black and white shoes, and the red slice of watermelon he’s enjoying. This is a rare and unique piece, crafted with care and attention to detail, full of vintage charm. It would make a wonderful addition to any toy collector's collection or as the perfect gift for anyone who loves antique toys. Whether you're a collector or just looking for a unique toy to cherish, this cast iron donkey cart is sure to impress. It is a beautiful piece of Americana folkart. Dimensions: 10" L 3 1/4" W 6" H Condition: In very good condition, with excellent paint retention. As noted in the description, the spring release for keeping the cart horizontal no longer functions and the small child hidden behind a bush is missing, The price has been significantly reduced due to the noted damage. GTT #01900 Note: We do not ship outside the U.S. Returns and Exchanges (within 14 days of receipt of purchase). Buyer is responsible for return shipping costs, and any loss in value if an item isn't returned in original condition. Please contact us prior to making a purchase if you have any questions about the item. The photos are the exact item that will be shipped to you. Your feedback after purchase would be greatly appreciated. Our business revolves around having satisfied customers who are repeat buyers. Thanks!
Price: 75 USD
Location: Kingston, Georgia
End Time: 2024-11-27T20:10:23.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Year: 1960
Material: Cast Iron
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Vintage: Yes