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A mechanical cast-iron “Humpty Dumpty” bank made by the Shepard Hardware Company, Buffalo, New York, dating to the late 19th century. Designed by Charles G. Shepard and Peter Adams Jr. and patented in the early 1880s, this charming piece exemplifies classic American mechanical banks meant to make saving coins fun and interactive.
Place a coin in the clown’s hand and press the lever to watch his arm lift, his eyes roll, and the coin “swallowed” into the bank — a delightful and historic action that captures the ingenuity of Victorian-era toy design. The cast letters on the backplate read “THE HUMPTY DUMPTY BANK,” with patent and Buffalo, N.Y. markings on the base.
A rare survivor in cast iron, this bank is a standout example of early mechanical-toy craftsmanship and collector appeal.
A mechanical cast-iron “Humpty Dumpty” bank made by the Shepard Hardware Company, Buffalo, New York, dating to the late 19th century. Designed by Charles G. Shepard and Peter Adams Jr. and patented in the early 1880s, this charming piece exemplifies classic American mechanical banks meant to make saving coins fun and interactive.
Place a coin in the clown’s hand and press the lever to watch his arm lift, his eyes roll, and the coin “swallowed” into the bank — a delightful and historic action that captures the ingenuity of Victorian-era toy design. The cast letters on the backplate read “THE HUMPTY DUMPTY BANK,” with patent and Buffalo, N.Y. markings on the base.
A rare survivor in cast iron, this bank is a standout example of early mechanical-toy craftsmanship and collector appeal.
