Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Ch #8964, Still Bank w / Key, 110+ years old!!

Description: 800x600 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Up for auction is this Vintage Still Bank, issued by “The Merchants National Bank of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.”, Charter #8964. The bank was Chartered on December of 1907, and went into receivership on October 12, 1934, just before the National Bank Note issuing period ended in May of 1935. In the 1890’s, there was a push for banks to increase their customer base and find new depositors. Normally it was only Businesses that had checking accounts in Banks. C.O. Burns Company of New York, was an independent company that Banks would hire to seek out new customers to increase their retail business. C.O. Burns Company would be paid for each new account they would bring to a Bank that hired them. This was a new means, whereby Banking Institutions could attract the individual and family accounts, as depositors. Banks would order these Home Banking Safes with sequential numbers stamped on them. The Banks in turn would lend these Home Banking Safes to potential depositors that would open an account at the bank for $1.00 or more. The bank kept the key to the Home Banking Safe, and the individuals would bring the Home Banking Safe into the bank, to have the contents emptied and deposited directly into their account. The number stamped on the Home Banking Safe became the individual account number that depositor had at the bank. This was an economical way for banks to attract the individual depositor, and it was forced savings for the depositors. Because the bank kept the key, it is very rare to see one of these Home Banking Safes with a key, especially a C.O. Burns Company Bank. The #5176 stamped on the top of the bank, represents the account number the individual that was lent this bank, was assigned when they were given this Home Banking Safe to use. C.O. Burns Company was located at 13-21 Park Row, New York, NY. This still bank was patented on December 6, 1904 but was probably manufactured and distributed to The Merchants National Bank of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, sometime between 1908 - 1912. While there were other companies that were making similar products; these C.O. Burns Company, Home Banking Safes were extremely well built and very strong, and the average person at the time could not break into them! This bank weighs just over 14 ounces and is built with heavy gauge steel. This bank has a patented design to prevent the coins from being removed once deposited through the coin slot. This Home Banking safe has all of its original finish remaining, and is in very nice condition for its age! The Copper Swirls from the Jappaned finish stand out very nicely. There are some minor rust spots, mostly on the back of the bank and one small spot on the top. There are also some very minor scratches in the finish that I mention strictly for accuracy but after all, this piece is 110 plus years old! This Home Banking safe measures 4-3/8 inches long x 2-3/8 inches wide x 3-1/8 inches tall (with the handle down). When the handle is extended it increases to about 4-7/16 inches tall. The key and lock work very well, and there is no need to jiggle or force it, as the lock mechanism works like it was made yesterday. If this still bank were a coin, I would grade it XF/Au. Just like a rare coin, I choose not to try to clean this piece up, for fear of ruining its originality. The new owner can do so if they wish. I will include a copy of the patent document along with the Still Bank and Key, to add to the amazing history behind this Still Bank! Own this fantastic piece of Banking History. It is a must for National Banknote Collectors and people interested in Banking History, as these Home Safes were in use during the early part of the Third Charter period and onward! This Advertising Still Bank would make a fine addition to any Pennsylvania National Banknote collection! This bank is located in Schuylkill County, so it should appeal to people collecting National Banknotes and other Banking Collectables from that and the surrounding counties. Don’t let this incredible item get away! I will ship this item via USPS Parcel Post with tracking in the United States. New Jersey Residents only must add 6.625% Sales Tax. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, or if you need better photos of the item, Bob [201] 843 1450 EBAY: Vette70 Please take a moment to look at my many other Ebay listings. Good Luck & Happy Hunting!

Price: 195 USD

Location: Saddle Brook, New Jersey

End Time: 2024-02-11T13:59:29.000Z

Shipping Cost: 8.95 USD