Mechanical bank

Mechanical bank
An example of a mechanical bank

Cast iron mechanical banks have been a collectors item since the mid-19th century. They were originally designed to promote saving among children. To make these banks appealing to kids, they were cleverly designed, often depicting historical, legendary or everyday events. Each bank performs a stunt or an action. All that was needed was for a coin to be dropped into a slot, and the lever to be pulled. The banks quickly caught on with children and adults alike and soon became a sought-after collector's item.