Carrolltown, PA, Ch #5855, S.D. Childs Still Bank w / Key, 114+ years old!

Description: Up for auction is this Vintage Still Bank, issued by “The First National Bank of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania”, Charter #5855. The bank was chartered on June 10, 1901. Because the bank kept the key, it is very rare to see one of these Home Banking Safes with a key. The #299 on the name plate, represents the account number the individual that was lent this bank was assigned when they were given this Home Banking Safe to use. This early S.D. Childs & Co., Chicago, IL bank was probably manufactured and distributed to The First National Bank of Carrolltown, Pennsylvania., sometime between 1901 when the bank first chartered until around 1910. After 1910, these Advertising Still Banks had evolved to a point where the ones being made were much lighter in weight and much cheaper for the manufacturers to produce and sell to their Banking Customers. This S.D. Childs & Co., Still Bank is the heaviest Still Bank that I have encountered so far in over 20 years of selling these banks. While there were other companies that were making similar products; these S.D. Childs & Company, Home Banking Safes were extremely well built, very strong, and the average person at the time could not break into them! This bank weighs 2 pounds 4 ounces (36 ounces) and is built with heavy gauge steel making it near impossible to break into. This bank also has a design to prevent the coins from being removed once deposited through the coin slot. 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. A number of Companies sprung up that would specifically make these Home Banking Safes. Banks would order these Home Banking Safes. 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. This was an economical way for banks to attract the individual depositor, and it was forced savings for the depositors. This Home Banking safe has much of its original finish remaining. There is some light rust, pitting and hairline scratches on the top of the bank between the handle and small amount on the handle itself. There are also some light pitting and scratches across the entire bank. The copper swirls from the Jappaned finish pop up nicely, especially in sunlight. This Home Banking safe measures 4-9/16 inches long x 2-5/16 inches wide x 3-15/16 inches tall (with the handle down). When the handle is extended it increases to about 4-15/16 inches tall. This piece is 114 plus years old! 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 were a coin, I would grade it as a Very Fine / Extra Fine. 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. Own this fantastic piece of Banking History. It is a must for National Banknote collectors and people interested in Banking History, as this Home Safe was in use during the mid to latter part of the Second Charter period and early part of the Third Charter period, from 1900-1920, when Brown Backs, Red Seals, Date Backs and Plain Backs were issued! This Advertising Still Bank would make a fine addition to any Pennsylvania National Banknote collection! This bank is located in Cambria County, so it should appeal to people collecting National Banknotes and other Banking Collectables from that and the surrounding counties. Pennsylvania has long been a popular state for National Banknote collectors; when rare banknotes arrive at auction, there is usually very strong bidding amongst the collecting fraternity. This Advertising Still Bank should ignite the very same interest among those collectors. Don’t let this incredible item get away! I will ship this item via USPS Priority Mail with tracking and insurance in the United States. New Jersey Sales Tax = 6.625% 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: 2024-09-01T20:55:03.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9.95 USD