Vintage 1920-1930s Cast Iron Jester Clown Mechanical Metal Coin Bank

Vintage 1920-1930s Cast Iron Jester Clown Mechanical Metal Coin Bank.These piggy banks were popular in the mid-19th century and were designed to encourage children to save money. To deposit a coin, you place it in the clown's hand and press a lever. The clown's hand will rise to his mouth, and the coin will fall inside. The original version of this piggy bank was patented by Charles G. Shepard and Peter Adams in 1884. Many of these piggy banks are reproductions, modeled after the originals in the "Book of Knowledge" collection.

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