August 2008

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PENNY BANK POST SBCCA

AUGUST 2008

STILL BANK COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA STILL BANK COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA STILL BANK COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA

Up Up & Away ~ Who Made the State Banks? ~ Double Door Medallion Safe ~ About Paint - Episode II ~ 2008 Convention

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AUGUST 2008

Still Bank Collectors Club of America President

Elliotte Harold Vice-President

Ken Russell Secretary Dolli Kettron Treasurer Dick Soukup Past President & Member of the Board of Directors

Mike Holz - 2010 Board of Directors Doug Dreher 2008 Minaz Ladha 2008 Greg Zemenick 2008 Dan Collins 2010 Susan Laubenthal 2010 Dan Penn 2010 Gene Marshall 2011

From the Editor’s Desk My sincere thanks are extended to all those that contributed to making this issue possible A n a n o n y m o u s c o l l e c t o r, J o h n R . B e r g e r, G r e g D e a n , D o n & C h r i s D u e r, L o t h a r G r a f f, M a r t y G u t i e r r e z , E l l i o t t e a n d L i z Ha r o l d , D o n & B e t ty J o He i m , H i m se l f , M i k e Ho l z , B e t h B .

Hu e b n e r, To m K e l l o g g , D a v i d a n d M a r y A n n K e r r, D o l l i Ke t t r o n , F r a n k K i d d , C h u c k M e e k s , S h i r l e y a n d B o b P e i r c e , A n i t a & F r e d S c h i e n , R i c h a r d S o u k u p , R o b e r t V i c i c , Ke l s e y Vi c k , G u y Wi l l i a m s , G u y a n d K i m b e r l y Z a n i & G r e g Z e m e n i c k ( D r. Z .) .

O u r t h a n k s a l s o g o o u t t o L e e & K a r e n R o e s n e r a t Pa r a d i g m Gr a p h i c D e s i g n i n N o r th b r o o k , I l , a n d D a v e G i d d e n s & t h e te a m a t He r i ta g e Q u a l i t y P r i n t i n g i n B r o o k f i e l d , WI f o r t u r n i n g o u t a f i r s t c l a ss m a g a z i n e .

Charles Meeks (2009) Jim Yeager (2011)

Yo u h a v e n ’t b e e n t o t h e A n n u a l S B C C A C o n v e n t i o n ? !? !

Please read our reports on pages 8 and 20 – you are missing out on what always proves to be a very enjoyable experience and if you have any thoughts as to it being an expensive get-away, you should see what the other bank and toy clubs charge. The SBCCA is a great deal and you certainly get your moneys worth – plan to join us in Gettysburg in 2009.

As editor of the Post, one of my devilish pleasures is that of featuring a bank that you haven’t seen before. You open the envelope containing the Post with an expectation of an enjoyable reading experience and not long after, you are being consumed by a desire to acquire an example of a bank you didn’t realize existed scant moments before.

For at least some of you, this will likely be your experience after seeing the front cover of this issue picturing a bank submitted for your consideration by the inimitable Dr. Z. and/or the back cover picturing a newly found version of the Double Door Medallion Safe submitted by Guy and Kimberly Zani. Happy hunting.

Guy Williams has stepped up to take on the role of Editor effective in 2009. He comes to the task with a great deal of enthusiasm, a long history of providing the Post with many excellent and well-researched articles, and I encourage each and every one of you to support Guy with your submissions of advice, anecdotes, bank articles, collecting experiences, finds, questions and personal views on still banks to help ensure that the Post endures long into the future.

Th e u s e r I D ( s e m i n a r y ) a n d t h e p a s s w o r d ( r i d g e ) a r e t h e n e w w o r d s t o a c c e ss w w w.s t i l l b a n k c l u b .c o m s o p l e a se ta k e no te .

Yours Sincerely, Tony Neilson

FRONT COVER Up Up and Away The Balloon Bank

Until further notice, please continue sending your contributions to me and I’ll forward all unpublished articles on to Guy at the end of 2008.

Tony Neilson 18 – 15th. STREET, Roxboro, QC, H8Y 1N5, Canada E-mail to lynntony@videotron.ca

Historian Bob Vicic - email at clubhistorian@sbcglobal.net Membership Chairman

Elliotte Harold mbrchm@bellsouth.net Editor, Penny Bank Post

Tony Neilson Webmaster

Greg Dean www.stillbankclub.com seminary ridge Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Goldstein (2010) Committee Members

The Penny Bank Post is published by the SBCCA three times per year for distribution to the members. All rights reserved.

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It would be appreciated that anyone desiring to place an ad in this forum contributes an article with pictures in return for the privilege. Your article should be of sufficient size, including pictures, to fill one page in the Post. In return, your ad will run for a minimum three issues.

Thank you for your support. Tony Neilson

The Post - Classified Advertising For Sale. Penny Banks & Related New—Original Still Banks in Limited Editions. SBCCA Convention Banks, and others see my web site at www.reynoldstoys.com Thanks, Charlie Reynolds reynoldstoys@erols.com Hundreds of banks, mostly cast iron. Animals, figures, buildings, safes & misc. types. Outstanding condition. No junk. These are not downgrades or duplicates. List available--will e-mail or please send S.A.S.E. for hard copy.

Bob Vicic Address is in SBCCA Directory E-mail clubhistorian@sbcglobal.net

Coin Banks by Banthrico • Hardcover in full color by Schiffer Publishing Co. • 15 chapters, 256 pages • 900 different banks • 1135 pictures • price & rarity guide, index • 500 transportation and architechtural banks • Special Price $40 + $5 SH Personalized & autographed by Jim Redwine 6940 Lake Valley Dr. Florissant, MO 63033 Tel # 314-741-6940

Canadian Penny Banks A Collectors Guide Soft cover Book, 2nd Ed, 13 chapters, 140 pages dealing with the history and classification of Canadian penny banks.

Full colour photos of over 350 banks made of cast iron, aluminum, brass, ceramic, die cast, glass, plastic and tin.

Price $25 + $5 SH Written and signed by Graham Jones 158 Riverview St, Oakville, Ont. Canada, L6L 5S4 Tel # 905-825-8235 gjones@ica.net

Common Banks & Safes for sale.

Let me buy or let me sell your banks for you. I have done this for other SBCCA members.

Get paid quickly after auctions end I list, ship, collect $$.

Minaz Ladha eminaz@yahoo.com

Your Ad Here?

Send in your needs with an article & pictures today!

Wanted: Penny Banks & Related Wanted—Building Banks, early English copper series, coronation M1319 or "our empire" M1321, banks by Harper. Buy, sell or trade.

Visit my web to view others. www.deantiques.com Greg Dean marlin10@comcast.net Wanted—Any Glass Bank not in the Glass Bank Book. Also, Any banks made of–All Leather Charlie Reynolds reynoldstoys@erols.com

Seeking—the rare building banks, especially multi-colored buildings, State Banks and unusual variations. Also have banks for sale or trade.

Please e-mail or call Tom Kellogg tmkllgg@yahoo.com Wanted—Cast iron painted animal banks, cast iron nickel-plated people & animal banks.

I have some rare banks for sale or trade! Ken Russell 785-263-4375 krcowboy@classicnet.net

Building shaped banks made by A.C. Rehberger, Art Metal Works, American Art Works. I am looking for the highly detailed lead/pot metal coin banks and souvenirs made during the 1920’s and 1930’s in fine to excellent condition. Especially interested in the triangular shaped banks (Noel State, Cragin State and Inland Trust Banks) as well as the multistory banks from St. Petersburg (Central National Bank) and Tampa (Citizens Bank and Trust).

I have a few for trade. Please contact Gordon Steimle, g o r d o n s @o g d e n r e . c o m

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AUGUST 2008

President’s Message Submitted by Elliotte Harold First, may I thank the club for honoring me by electing me as its President. I intend to do all that I can to keep our club active and strong, building on the work of those who have preceded me. Next I should introduce myself to those of you who do

not know me. When I say “myself” I include my wife Liz who, thank goodness, is as obsessed with still bank collecting as I am. That really comes in handy when trying to decide if I can afford to buy that bank I am lusting after.

We started to collect still banks about 1991 but for the first few years bought nothing but junk, which, we’ve since learned, is the way many of our members started. Being from the south we had little to choose from. It wasn’t until we joined the club in 1992 and attended our first convention in Greenville in 1995 that we discovered what treasures were really out there and what wonderful folks there were who shared our passion. We’ve not missed a convention since Greenville and have met people whose friendship we will treasure for the rest of our lives. Our main interest is cast iron but we are branching out slowly into lead and ceramics. We hosted the 2006 convention, blown from New Orleans to Toledo by the winds of Katrina, and are now busily planning another try in New Orleans. M a r k y o u ca l e n d a r s f o r J u n e 1 6 , 17 , 18 & 19, 201 0.

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To move from the personal to the organizational, I want to remind you that this is not my club nor is it the club of only those who attend conventions. It is YOUR club and it needs YOUR participation if it is to continue to flourish. Even if you’ve never attended a convention or think that you will never be able to do so there are other ways for you to participate. One way is to write an article for the P e n n y B a n k Po s t . You do not have to be an accomplished author or a dedicated researcher. Just tell us about one of your favorite banks or relate a story of an unusual find.

However, articles are not the only way for you to contribute to the Post. Tony Neilson is retiring at the end of the year after seven years of dedicated service as editor. G u y Wi l l i a ms has graciously volunteered to take over the editorship and he is going to need help with things other than writing.

Just ask and he will find a way for you to pitch in.

If that is not of interest, I can always use help with new members. A welcoming e-mail or a call to a new member is an easy way to contribute and it lets the new member know that he or she is not just a number on our roster. Let me know if you can help.

Greg Dean, our webmaster, is also retiring. He is going to be a tough act to follow but D a n C o l l i n s has agreed to take on this demanding job.

Greg is working on making the maintenance of the site more than a one man job. When that happens we will need volunteers to oversee various sections. Will you help? Speaking of the website, have you seen the new feature in the members section, “Ask the SBCCA”? If you have a question, just send it from there and we will try to get you an answer.

Also we’ve implemented a new • User ID: s e mi n a r y • Password: r i d g e That’s enough begging for help. On to club news. First, the club sponsored book on painted building banks that Bob and Shirley Peirce have been working on for a number of years is nearing

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completion. It should be finished and back from the printer by the end of the year or early 2009.

Next, be on the lookout for the 2008 – 2009 Supplement to the Members Handbook. You may expect to receive this in the fall. If you have any updates for this please get them to me as soon as possible. Finally, future conventions are scheduled in Gettysburg in 2009, hosted by Mike and Beth Holz, and in New Orleans in 2010. To return to begging, we are sorely in need of hosts for the conventions in 2011 and 2012. It is not as hard as it

may seem. If you’d like more info on what is involved in being a host please give me a call.

If all goes as planned I will be sending out periodic e-mails with club news as it arises. If your e-mail address is not in the handbook or last year’s supplement I do not have it. Please send it to me at either mbrchm@bellsouth.net or eharo@bellsouth.net. You may also use those addresses for any questions, comments, or suggestions. Feel free to get in touch. I need and want input from the members.

Obituary - John Bennett Submitted by Anita and Fred Schien To all Still Bank Collector Club members, I am very sad to tell you of our loss of one great bank club member. John Bennett passed away on Monday April 21, 2006. John was 70 years and 8 months old. He fought a courageous battle against Mesothelioma Cancer. He had been taking radiation treatment at Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, since December.

John and his wife Karen joined the SBCCA on April 6, 1981 while they lived in Buffalo NY. They moved to Columbia, Missouri in 1986 where John practiced medicine and worked for St. Mary’s Hospital, until his retirement in 2006. He was a board member for our club for the years of 2003 & 2004, and John was very

involved in setting up the hospitality room and helping Ken Russell plan for the Kansas City convention June 2007. John & Karen also belong to the St. Louis Penny Bank Club, where John held every office including President. They also belonged to the EMBC (European Money Box Collectors) - John & Karen attended five of their conventions. He and Karen also helped in many other national conventions.

John was a very knowledgeable and devoted collector. He sure didn’t like when they started putting prices in the various Bank Collectors books, “That will raise the prices of all the banks”. To quote John on his opinion of a bank, “Not enough patina on that bank to suit me”. or “That’s a hard bank to find, especially in that condition”.

It has been a great experience going to Bank Auctions, Conventions, Antique Malls, and home visits with John Bennett.

Anita & I learned a lot from this great friend and we will truly miss him.

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AUGUST 2008

News From the Web Submitted by Greg Dean P l e a se n o te th a t w e a r e c h a n g i n g t h e l o g i n t o a c c e ss o u r w e b si te a t w w w.s t i l l b a n k c l u b .c o m Th e n e w a c c e s s w i l l b e • Us e r I D . . . . . s e m i n a r y • Pa s s w o r d . . . r i d g e A s y o u ’l l s e e m e n t i o n e d e l s e w h e r e , I w i l l b e tur n i n g o v e r th e r e s p o n si b i l i ty o f w e b m a ste r to D a n C o l l i n s a t th e e n d o f 2007. P l e a s e c o n ti n u e to p r o v i d e h i m w i th y o ur su p p o r t a n d i n p u t f o r i n c l usi o n o n th e S B C C A w e b s i te .

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Greg Dean, SBCCA Webmaster

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New SBCCA Members February 01, 2008 to June 30, 2008 Submitted by Elliotte Harold

James G. Baker Red Oak, IA

Cindy R. Ginn Lyndeborough, NH

Wendy Schaefer Sammamish, WA

Susan Chappell Glen Burnie, MD

Brenda Huffman Versailles, KY

Rod & Bea Slack Brockville, ON

Robert & Robin Davis Sewell, NJ

James M. Kershner Chicago, IL

Clinton Tinsley Kansas City, MO

Rose-Ellen Eckberg Rock Hill, SC

Tobias Lederberg Providence, RI

Vickie Wheatley Saginaw, MI

Dennis Filut Milwaukee, WI

Darrell Mitchell Raleigh, NC

Dusty Wilson Hurley, NY

Steve Flynn Canton, MA

Daniel Molinar Wrightwood, CA

J e r r y D . Fo x Barberton, OH

C u r ti s O p y r Rochester, MI

SBCCA 2008 Convention Bank Submitted by Robert Vicic

Our 2008 Convention Bank is a replica of the Sun Trust Building, which is visible from one of the freeways in Orlando. At 5 1/2" tall, this beefy casting with its fine detail will appeal to still bank collectors and souvenir building collectors alike. It is colorful and will do well as a bank and/or as a paperweight on your desk.

Coin slot is in the bottom. Draw your check for $75.00 payable to the SBCCA (which includes postage) and mail to Robert Vicic, 1830 E. 223 St., Euclid, OH 44117.

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2008 SBCCA Convention – Orlando, Florida Submitted by Liz and Elliotte Harold

The Club’s 41st annual convention was scheduled to open on Thursday, June 12th but when we pulled in on Sunday for some pre-convention sightseeing we found that we were not the first arrivals.

Others were already there to take advantage of the opportunity to visit some of Orlando’s tourist attractions before the convention kicked off.

Our host, Marty Gutierrez, had picked the Holiday Inn Select – Airport as the venue for our festivities. He could not have made a better choice.

Less than a mile from the airport it was very convenient for the many that flew in. The rooms were spacious and well appointed. We were all housed on two adjoining floors and the layout made room hopping very easy.

Monday was a sightseeing or attraction visiting day for most of the early arrivals. Dan and Deb Penn went to Sea World while others were at Disney World. We relived our courtship days in Cocoa Beach. Would you believe that most of the bars and restaurants we frequented 45 years ago have been replaced by high rise hotels and condos? What happened to that sleepy little village by the sea?

Although it now has a new name we did find the restaurant where we had our first date.

On Tuesday, Marty and his crew were busy setting up the Registration/Hospitality room while we finished putting together the name tags. The room was on one of our sleeping floors so it was very con-

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venient. It was large enough for both purposes and very comfortable. Marty furnished plenty of snacks, soft drinks, water, and beer so there were always plenty of folks congregating there.

Liz and I were nominally in charge of registration but she did all the work, ably assisted by her second in command, Rona Blau, and other volunteers. If we try to name all who pitched in we are sure to leave someone unmentioned. Suffice it to say that all who were asked to help did so willingly. We opened the room at 9a.m. on Wednesday morning and by the end of the day had about a third of the registrants checked in. Rooms were opening and banks were changing hands.

That evening the hotel hosted a reception for all of its guests. The bar area was crowded with SBCCA members. No one has ever accused this group of being shy when there is free food and liquor to be had.

The official opening day was Thursday and many more attendees showed up. On the schedule for the afternoon were home visits. Don and Chris Duer were our first hosts. They served us some delicious subs and potato salad as we enjoyed Don’s collection of ceramic, silver, and cast iron banks plus

collections of cast iron doll house furniture and decorative tiles.

From there we proceeded to the beautiful condo of David and Mary Ann Kerr, high above one of Orlando’s many lakes. David and Mary Ann are friends from the MBCA and when they heard that the still bankers were coming to town they graciously offered to open their home to us.

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The only still bank in sight was a slave bank carved out of stone that belonged to Mary Ann. However, everyone enjoyed seeing their other collections. The condo is decorated with Chinese antiques.

There are about 95 mechanical banks in wonderful condition and some beautiful Caucasian carpets.

David has recently started a collection of cast iron blinking eye clocks and also had some huge pub clocks from England.

Mary Ann showed us a collection of antique Korean dolls that were used as signs indicating occupations along the lines of our cigar store Indians but in a much smaller scale. There

was a variety of refreshments but we had trouble getting very far away from the champagne and artichoke hearts.

Jim Yeager had posted a 5p.m. opening time for viewing the banks he brought for sale. The line in front of his room started forming an hour before that as folks partook of the refreshments Jim provided in the hallway. There was a rush when the room opened and many treasures found new homes. We left as the proud owners of the Century of Progress and the Mascot, two banks that had been on our wish list for a long time.

The only activity that evening was the first time attendees seminar ably handled by Ken Russell. Our first timers came from far distances – Ken and Judy Hill from Seattle, Craig Britton from Los Altos, California, and Denny Ebright from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. All are very nice people and we look

PENNY BANK POST

forward to seeing them at many future conventions.

Friday morning started bright and early with the Board of Directors meeting at 7:30. Following that were the traditional talks. Beth Huebner spoke about the upcoming publication of her books on ceramic banks. The first volume will be out shortly.

After her remarks we were treated to a PowerPoint presentation that showed many of the banks in the book. A number of our members contributed information and pictures of banks from their collections.

It has been a long time since Tom and Loretta Stoddard published their book on ceramic banks so Beth’s work will be a much appreciated addition to the literature. Many of us ordered copies for future delivery. We’re sure there’ll be more details on the website and/or in the next issue of the Penny Bank Post.

Mike Holz was up next. We all enjoyed his PowerPoint show on his special collecting interest, safe banks. Many of us who do collect safes saw pictures of banks we did not know even existed and

look forward to seeing them in person next year at the Gettysburg convention.

A group of intrepid members had left early for a deep sea fishing trip. About the best we can say for their success is that we were lucky dinner had already been planned.

The afternoon was given over to room hopping and visiting. At the cocktail party preceding dinner two strolling magicians dazzled us all with card tricks and other marvels of prestidigitation.

The hotel provided a fine buffet, one of the best in recent memory. After a short business meeting and election of officers and directors, Chuck Meeks showed pictures, accompanied by appropriate music,

continued on page 11

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2008 SBCCA Convention (continued from page 9)

of Christmas and other holiday cards produced by our members. A great deal of imagination goes into the cards but the one common denominator is that they all feature still banks.

Bright and early Saturday morning the auction room opened for members to register their banks.

Mike Holz was auction chairman and his auctioneers were Doug Riat and Norm Bowers. About 35 members entered banks, and more than half of them sold. There were many bargains to be had.

Next on the agenda was a trip to Marty Gutierrez’s brand new home for lunch and collection viewing. Marty did not make it to the auction because he was trying to get the final shelves installed. He managed to have that task completed before we arrived.

The lunch buffet was delightful and Marty’s collection of ceramic and building banks was impressive, as was his new home.

Most spent the rest of the afternoon making those final purchases or trades while others brought

their “mistakes” to Webmaster Greg Dean for photographing while swapping war stories of how they were duped.

The pictures will be available for viewing on our web page. We enjoyed a convivial cocktail hour, sans magicians, followed by a delicious banquet.

Afterwards, Don Duer presented a slide show (no PowerPoint expert he) picturing more wonderful banks. The banquet ended with a call from Mike Holz to gather next June 17 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania for our 42nd annual convention.

The last item on the convention agenda was distribution of the souvenir bank. It is a gorgeous rendition of the Sun Trust Bank building in downtown Orlando. Bob Vicic will have the few remaining banks for sale. Check out details in the Historian’s report elsewhere in this issue.

If we haven’t made our point, SBCCA conventions are FUN. We’re looking forward to seeing YOU next year in Gettysburg.

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About Paint -- Episode II Submitted by Tony Neilson

Dear Readers I certainly hope that Episode I in the April Post on page 26 stimulated some thinking on your part and I would really enjoy receiving some feedback what I’ve written so far and your help on this subject. As previously stated, I am certainly no expert in this area, and I invite those of you that are to submit your comments on this subject, and help more of us to increase our knowledge about paint.

Again, I’ll emphasize that, in my opinion, the ever-increasing value of cast iron polychromed Still Banks over the past ten-plus years make it essential for we still bank collectors to learn more about the ways and means to review paint condition.

One of the most common colors used in the manufacture of still banks was gold paint and today I’m presenting some facts regarding gold paint that will help you to discern whether or not a bank with gold paint is original or has been repainted.

A l l Th a t G l i t t e r s i s N o t G o l d !

As a member of the Mechanical Bank Collectors of America (MBCA) I’ve had the opportunity to review some of their old teaching workshops, which were conducted and videotaped some twenty years ago. In addition, I’ve attended educational presentations made at a number of the MBCA’s annual conventions over the years.

At an MBCA Convention in the 1990’s I was at an educational presentations conducted by Stephen Steckbeck. (His name should be familiar to all of you as that was his collection Morphy Auctions sold last October – the sale that set a new world record for a toy auction at $7.7M.) Steve’s business was paint stores and he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to

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the subject of paint. Shortly before the annual convention, I had been reviewing the videotapes of the '88 workshops and at one point Steve Steckbeck was discussing the review of various colors of paint to discern whether the paint was original or not. On the subject of gold paint, Steve had made a comment to the effect that gold paint was tough to verify. I asked Steve about his comment in ‘88 and asked whether he could add anything further. In response, he elaborated at some length describing the nature of the gold paint used on Mechanical Banks and I’m quoting from notes I documented at the time.

A l l g o l d p a i n t i s p r ep a r ed u si n g b r o n z e p o w d er .

Th e S h e p a r d H a r d w a r e C o m p a n y, m a n u fa c tu r er o f so m e o f th e m o st d es i r a b l e M ec h a n i c a l B a n k s, u sed a f i n e g r a d e o f b r o n z e p o w d er r ef er r ed to a s l i n i n g p o w d er w h i c h w a s m a n u f a c t u r ed b y st r a i n i n g t h e p a r ti c u l a te th r o u g h a ser i es o f i n c r ea si n g l y f i n er si ev es. Th i s r esu l ted i n a v er y u n i f o r m si z e o f p a r ti c l e a n d c o l o r . ( T o m y eye, i t i s a v er y g o l d c o l o r ed g o l d .)

Th i s l i n i n g p o w d er i s v er y si m i l a r to th e g o l d p a i n t a v a i l a b l e t o d a y a n d t h er efo r e r ep a i n t/r eto u c h i n g o n S h ep a r d M ec h a n i c a l B a n k s i s v er y d i f f i c u l t to d etec t. S tev e su g g e s t e d t h a t yo u c a n o n l y f i n d t h e r e t o u c h i n g i f i t i s o v er p r ev i o u sl y ex i s ti n g c h i p p ed p a i n t o r i f yo u d etec t b r u s h str o k es a r o u n d a c h i p , w h i c h w a s n o t d o n e a t t h e f a c t o r y!

Th e J . & E. S tev en s C o . u s ed a c h ea p er g r a d e o f b r o n z e p o w d er a n d w h en yo u l o o k a t i t c l o s el y yo u w i l l see d i f fer en t si z ed f l ec k s o f b r o n z e a n d 3 o r 4 d i f fer en t c o l o r s.

M o st i m p o r ta n tl y, S tev e sta ted th a t o n e c a n n o t d u p l i c a t e t h i s l esser q u a l i t y w i t h t h e g o l d p a i n t a v a i l a b l e t o d a y.

These comments about the gold paint employed by these manufactures of banks back in

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the late 1800’s and early 1900’s led to me thinking about what application this might have for still banks. The result was that I formed the theory that it was more than likely that the manufacturers would have used a cheaper form of gold paint on their still banks and therefore this would make detection of repaints on gold-painted Still Banks easier to find.

The following month I mentioned this thought to Don Heim and he stated that his thinking had been similarly triggered by Steve’s comments.

Naturally, I got around to reviewing the goldcolored still banks in my collection and it wasn’t difficult to spot the repaints because the original gold paint on still banks has what might be described as a dusty hue. When you examine a bank with a strong magnifying glass or hand-held microscope you will see different sized flecks of bronze and 3 or 4 different colors.

If what you see on your pre WWII bank is a bright gold paint then, it has most likely been repainted.

It must also be understood that there are techniques available which can be employed to obscure the use of newer gold paint or, for that matter, any color. The one I’ve referred to the most is over washing with burnt umber (a natural pigment like ochre but darker and browner). This not only creates an aged appearance such as one might expect to see in the way of a patina, but also dulls the brightness typical with newer paint.

Take a close look at the picture I’ve included on page 15 of the two Mutt and Jeff banks. The example on the left has lost all of the original paint, it has cracked in two places where the screw hole is, and has been damaged by rust. Then it has been rescued by someone, the rust scrapped away (evidenced by examining the details in the bank but not illustrated here), the bank repainted with gold paint, and then over coated with burnt umber or perhaps a brown varnish. I photographed the bank in a disassembled state in order to show you the inside of Jeff’s leg where some of the new gold paint had dribbled inside and wasn’t over coated. Comparing the hue of the gold within the red circle to the hue of the exteri-

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or, you can readily discern that there is a difference, caused in this case, by the over coating of the exterior. Compare this same spot to the exterior of the all original bank on the right and you’ll see that the hue differs considerably. The original gold paint on the all original bank isn’t as bright, muted by the mix of colored flecks.

By the way, I purchased the bank on the left from an SBCCA member for a reasonable price.

Keep in mind that the still banks were produced as cheaply as possible at the time and that many single color banks were dipped as opposed to being painted with a brush.

The banks were assembled before painting and then dipped in the paint so here’s another juicy bit; we’ve got five banks in our collection where the screw holding the halves together has been sealed in paint since they left the factory.

Don’t disassemble a bank without verifying this isn’t the case with the example you’re holding.

Good luck with your reviews.

I’m including the following related gem of information for the benefit of all members who haven’t developed the ability to discern old from new with the use of a black light. I once spent an educational afternoon with the late Bill Bertoia playing with a hand-held black light. For subject matter, we used a Lion Hunter Mechanical Bank and a beautiful tin Merry-Go-Round toy of German manufacture both of which were withdrawn from or returned after sales.

We carefully reviewed both the Lion Hunter and the Merry-Go-Round with the black light noting that each had each been carefully repainted and then over-painted with burnt umber, or something like it. What may help you in your due diligence is the realization that it is very difficult to lay down a consistent light coating of burnt umber all over a bank or toy and penetrate all seams where the various pieces of the item go together.

Eureka! Under black light, most of the seams lit up as if illuminated by a light from behind, betraying the fact that these were indeed repaints - - a juicy bit of knowledge to add to your toolbox.

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Up Up & Away Submitted by Gregory A. Zemenick, M.D. The Bank depicted in these pictures is a New Find! One which I believe to be of American manufacture given the dimensions and the screw arrangement of a bank that is eerily reminiscent of a hot air balloon. It is a striking wellmade interesting addition to the canon of still bankdom.

I would appreciate anybody with any knowledge or information relative to this bank contacting me.

The Dog as a Watchdog Submitted by Lothar Graff It did not happen by chance that you can find the dog figure together with banks.

During the Stone Age man started to domesticate the wolf and to breed it as a domestic animal. Since then, man has taken advantage of the manifold characteristics of the dog.

Dogs are kept just as family friends, but also as guardian dogs, protectors, bloodhounds or hounds, seeing-eye dogs, and last but not least being trained and used as watchdogs.

As our savings deposited in still banks had to be symbolically protected and guarded there was no doubt it could only be the watchdog that could help.

Whether it made in small potters’ workshops or by manufacturers making banks in series, they used the dog figure as a symbol of reliability and security.

You can find watchdogs on banks made out of pottery, in front of silver dog-house banks and colored banks made out of wood, metal and lead.

Th e p h o to s a t r i g h t i n c l u d e g em s f r o m th e D o n a n d B e t t y J o H e i m c o l l ec t i o n , a n e x S u s a n a n d A n d y M o o r e s i l v e r b a n k f r o m m i n e, a n d ( o n p a g e 1 6 ) o n e f o r s a l e a t t h e c o n v en t i o n . E d .

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The Tally-Ho House Bank From Fruit Can to Still Bank Submitted by John R. Berger Antique tin still banks, both painted and lithographed, are very interesting to collect but rather hard to find, especially the painted banks in good condition. A good example of an early lithographed tin still bank is the Tally-Ho bank.

The Tally-Ho House Bank is pictured in the 1880 Oscar Strasburger & Co. catalog, No. 25.

Moore pg. 56. The bank was patented by George Zuckschwerdt of New York, N.Y. on September 18, 1877, Patent No. 195430. The bank and patent Drawing are shown in the photographs.

The bank has "SAVINGS BANK" on the upper front and PATD SEPT 18th 1877 on the base. It has several interesting features as shown in the photographs: the center iron bolt has a large thin oval tin base and a screw finial at the top; the center bolt has a tin round shield that extends from the base to the top to prevent bulging; and the coin slot has a thin leather strip below it to act as a money guard.

Also this bank is probably one of the earliest banks which was lithographed tin rather than painted tin as was the custom in the 1870s and prior thereto.

A very important feature of this bank is that on the top of the left side panel of the bank, in very small print, is the name of a company, which I could not decipher, and “Co. N.Y. PATD 5th JULY 1864”. This is the date of the first U.S. patent for the process to lithograph tin! The following patent information background is helpful.

Prior to 1864, tin preserve-cans (for meats, vegetables and fruit) either had a paper label (which

according to the patent Specification became detached or “is apt to become wet and be destroyed, especially during protracted sea-voyages”) or were painted. A new method to label cans by lithographic printing on tin was first patented in France on September 30, 1863, by Julien Roussel, Laurent Delangre and Lucien Robin of Nantes, France. The same lithographic process was later patented by the same patentees in the United States on July 5, 1864, patent No. 43463. This is the patent information found on the Tally-Ho bank. This patent was then assigned to Philip W. Flower, of Briton Ferry and Wickham Flower, of London, England, reissue patent dated March 13, 1877, patent No. RE7556. In the patent Specification it states that the tin lithographic process is not restricted to preserve-can labels and may be applied to the manufacture of other metallic articles such as plates and boxes.

Therefore we have the connection from fruit cans to lithographed still banks such as the TallyHo bank.

The Drawings and Specification set forth in all of the above mentioned patents are very interesting and are easily accessible to read and print by first doing a Google search under “Advanced Patent Search”, then by clicking on Advanced Patent Search. A screen will appear whereon you can type the patent number and then click on “Google Search”. Click on the name of the patent just below the word "Patents" and the patent drawing and specification will appear.

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Conventions: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Submitted by Kelsey Vick Most of my friends have asked me why I collect banks. First you all probably know me by various nicknames: The Jewelry Master, Kelsey, or Tom Vick’s granddaughter. All the great nicknames came from members in this club from today, yesterday (meaning the past last few years) or maybe you just heard them and started calling me one of the nicknames. I love these great names too!

Now is the fun part, I think, which is remembering the way I started collecting. In 2002, my Grandpa Vick (Tom), my Grandma Vick (Mary), my parents Jon, (dad) Kris, (mom) and my brother Kyle all went to the convention in Ohio that year. I was only 11 years old when I started to come to the convention as a guest.

I asked my Grandpa (Tom Vick) “Why do you collect banks I asked eagerly?”

He answered me by saying “Kelsey, you would be a great collector.” I didn’t really know what he meant, but in 2003, I attended the convention on my own as a guest of Grandpa and Grandma. I got a nametag with my name on it, and I was addicted! I asked for my own SBCCA membership for Christmas and, at the age of 12, I became the youngest member of the SBCCA. Since then I have figured out what people do at these conventions and I have learned that the bottom line is “You never have enough banks!” When you think you have all of what you’re collecting, please reconsider:

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because you are wrong! There are new banks getting discovered. Even rare banks may show up sometimes.

Speaking of banks showing up, a friend in this club had a Coke bank. I am sure most of you have seen it before. I was visiting with this friend at his house and I asked him “Where’s the coke bank?” He said “Well I actually sold it in February 2008.” I was shocked because it was and still is a very rare bank. To my knowledge and research I believe it’s a rating of F because there are very few made. I said “Nothing” to my friend because I was speechless. I couldn’t believe that collectors in this club sold really rare banks. I guess my point is that members sell some of these banks to other people in the club. I think that’s great! I think the funny part is ever since reading the book, Penny Banks Around the World, with values written by Don Duer, the Coke bank I saw in the book was the bank I didn’t think I would ever see/touch. I was wrong as the bank was actually bought by another friend in the club, and I was fortunate enough to get a pretty good picture of it. I was so proud!

I absolutely love this club! I think it’s a great club to be involved in. I can’t stress this enough: we should encourage people who are interested in banks to get a membership for this club. I encourage the next generation to join. I have always felt respected and appreciate everyone’s generosity, I have been given a lot of banks from club (SBCCA) members. Maybe it’s my good

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looks eh? (Just Joking) In the future I believe I want to make a contribution, instead of just going attending every convention and doing the same thing, even though I do enjoy that. I am hoping I can be a board member for this club after high school, approximately in the year 2010, or after I get out of college.

I estimate that about 100+ sellers/collectors at the Orlando convention. We missed some regular attendees this year because of their busy schedules during the convention including To m H a g a n , who leads the club of early morning sellers, I like it when Tom comes because then we early morning collectors get up early and have a, ‘Mini social hour’. A new member from last year, S c o t t M a r k , a nice gentleman who opened his house to tour in 2007. I think we all enjoyed that Scott. A regular attendee, J i m R e d w i n e , who usually has great banks to sell, and my apologies to other collectors that I have forgotten to mention.

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have been a member for a while and I am always meeting new people. This year I met a new friend whose name is U l r i k e R i e g r a f -B l a n k from Germany.

I think that is really cool because she was trying to teach me a few words in German. I think she is very funny like most of us in this club. I gave her the nickname of “U Rookie,” because I think she is a rookie of humor. Also I think her factory and her have very good machinery to make really nice/cute convention banks for us to give away to everyone who shows up at the convention. The last reason I gave her that nickname is because I can’t pronounce her name correctly.

I look forward to Gettysburg in 2009.

A n i t a a n d F r e d S c h i e n , and many other people in these next few months are going to be very busy working on the book helping us get everything published and hopefully looking very well made when we produce copies out to the club. My friends and I agreed we think the book will introduce new collectors and old collectors to learn more about club banks and hopefully then the banks will keep the price at a good steady price. Our plans are to get it done by 2009 or at least have a brief presentation on the book. The time will tell at this moment eventually.

That’s all I have to say. Thanks for taking time out of your busy lives to read this.

It’s a lot to read, especially for my friend F r a n k K i d d . I hope you enjoyed my article.

Ke l s e y a n d U l r i k e We are all like family and a quick tip is that without people attending the convention, we as a club would be unable to stay in touch and this would make club fall apart.

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Convention 2008 Auction Results Submitted by Richard Soukup This year, 135 lots were offered for sale by 22 consigners and 69 lots (51.1%) were sold.

Following are the auction results for the top 15 banks sold. Descriptions were those used by the consigners: While the number of lots was down from last year’s auction, the percentage of the number of banks sold increased slightly. At last year’s convention auction, 153 lots were offered for sale and 77 lots (50.3%) were sold. The bidding interest by many of the newer club members was strong, and many of the more common banks were sold at reasonable prices. The club raised $515 from the auction, including $185 in auction fees that were donated back to the club. The club also received $445 from the proceeds of the sale of eight convention banks from prior years.

D E S C R I P TI O N $ Multiplying Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 Large State Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,000 New York Bank – Bird Finial . . . . . . .1,000 Cutie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .775 1882 Villa Bank (Andy Moore Sale Tag) . . .600 Good Luck Horseshoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . .575 Lead Hinged Neck Bird . . . . . . . . . . . . .475 Fort Pitt (Original Sticker) . . . . . . . . . .400 Baseball Player – Blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400 Golly Wog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .400 Blackpool Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .350 Small High Rise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300 Time around the World . . . . . . . . . . . . .300 Royal Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .300 Home Savings – Dog Final . . . . . . . . . .300 This year, I again noted that several of the top banks sold were ‘new merchandise’ (offered for sale for the first time at the auction), which brought excellent prices.

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An Interesting Afternoon Visit Submitted by Gregory A. Zemenick Recently, it was my distinct pleasure to participate in one of the truly outstanding projects of the SBCCA. Shirley and Bob Peirce, who are altruistic, knowledgeable collectors of still banks, visited me on the 15th of July, as well as Ken Dersey and Jim Rocheleau, to review our collections, take pictures, and gather information for the upcoming SBCCA sponsored book on still cast iron building banks. Their knowledge, dedication, altruism and patience is something to be totally commended. Through their dedicated work and the cooperation of many collectors this book should document and stimulate the still bank market and enhance the club both from the

standpoint of prestige and membership. The value the members receive for their minimal dues is going to be increased even more by the publication of this wonderful opus. I present a photo showing Shirley at work (Shirley does most of the work and is the better looking, more intelligent, and charming of the two).

Hopefully this will give you some idea of the effort that goes into a home visit to gather information and document banks and help you better appreciate how hard and difficult it is to do the work that Bob and Shirley do for free for the good of all collectors, both now and for the future of still bank collecting.

Club Historian Finds New Book on Ober Manufacturing Submitted by Robert Vicic I have to admit, I stumbled upon this one!! Ober, as some collectors know, produced some of the scarcest, finest and most sought-after still banks, including such gems as Squirrel with Nut, Seated Elephant with Turned Trunk, Bear Stealing Pig, The Capitalist, Bassett Hound, Hairy Buffalo, Hippo, Clown with Crooked Hat, and several others.

While this is not a book devoted wholly to still banks, local historian Don Barribal has compiled what turns out to be a fascinating history of a company whose history had not been widely known prior to this publication.

Here's a thumb nail sketch: Three generations of the Ober Family - George, Archie and Gale - took a small sawmill from South Newbury, Ohio to Chagrin Falls Village, whose timber was plentiful, and developed the largest industrial manufacturing company in the village.

They began by dealing in lumber, producing shingles and manufacturing handles for hammers, etc. George Ober’s genius was in inventing a series of lathes that would eventually mass produce wooden handles for hammers, pickaxes, sledges, and

other irregularly-shaped items. In addition, he began to manufacture and sell the lathes he developed to a world-wide market from Canada and Mexico, to Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Next came the Sad-irons and George Ober’s invention of detachable wooden handles to spare housewives the discomfort of having to deal with the very hot iron handles of the sad-irons.

The company built machine shops for the lathes and foundries for the sad-irons, trivets and iron banks and toys.

Ober Manufacturing Co. became the largest employer in the industrial mill town of Chagrin Falls, and contributed greatly to the development and prosperity of today’s village.

We've never had a book that gives us such detailed background on one of our still bank manufacturers. Perfect (heavy spiral) bound, 42 pages with lots of pictures and drawings. Size 8.5" x 11".

We have purchased a few copies for sale to SBCCA members. Draw your check for $20.00 payable to SBCCA and mail to: Robert Vicic, 1830 E. 223 St., Euclid, OH 44117.

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SBCCA Board Meeting - Minutes Submitted by Dolli Kettron, SBCCA Secretary At t e n d e e s : F r i d a y – Mike Holz, Harold Blau, Doug Dreher, Greg Dean, Dan Collins, Elliotte Harold, Dan Penn, Bob Vicic, Minaz Ladha, Susan Laubenthal, Gene Marshall, Dick Soukup, Guy Williams, Ken Russell, Dolli Kettron Others as noted for specific items.

Meeting called to order at 7am on Friday, June 13, 2008.

No m i n a ti n g C o m m i t t e e -- Elliotte Harold Slate of new officers & board members was presented as follows: President: Elliotte Harold Vice President: Ken Russell New board member: Gene Marshall (3 year term) [The slate was approved by vote of the membership at the evening business meeting.]

Review of the 2007 SBCCA board meeting minutes -- Dolli Kettron We b M a s t e r R e p l a c e m e n t Greg Dean is stepping down as the club web master. A replacement is needed. Greg will work with the person identified to replace him to make a smooth transition.

A motion was passed to hire someone to convert the website to a new platform as the current one will not be supported by the manufacturer much longer. Greg has investigated and identified someone who could do this. It will be at a cost of $3000-$5000.

I n s u r a n c e n e e d s f o r th e c l ub a n d b o a r d -- Elliotte Harold Event insurance was purchased and will continue to be purchased to cover any incidents at the convention which the club could be liable for.

Membership chairman will purchase the insurance yearly.

Motion was passed to no longer pursue requirements to allow the board to obtain liability coverage. There was 1 opposed and 3 abstaining votes but the motion did pass by majority.

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Li a i so n w i th o the r C l ub s The SBCCA will reciprocate with other clubs wanting a link/access from our website to theirs.

B r o c h u r e P r o m o ti n g t h e C l u b Motion was passed to pursue printing of a club brochure to use in promoting the club. The board reviewed a sample. The brochure will be 1/3 of a page in size and will be in color.

R e c o g n i zi ng m e m b e r s Board agreed to recognize SBCCA members of 25 years or longer in the Penny Bank Post.

EM B C Nu r e m b e r g b o o k p r o j e c t The European Money Bank Collectors are working on a project for a book on Nuremberg banks. The SBCCA board has agreed to offer some financial assistance to the EMBC on that effort. They are currently scanning and digitizing information for the book. They have agreed to make the information available for posting on the SBCCA website.

Hi s t o r i a n ’s R e p o r t -- Bob Vicic Bob reviewed the Historian’s report and the club inventory. See his reports for details.

P B P E d i t o r ’s R e p o r t -- Mike Holz for Tony Neilson Mike Holz reviewed a report submitted by Tony.

Tony is stepping down from the PBP Editor position at the end of this year. Guy Williams has agreed to replace Tony as the Penny Bank Post Editor starting in 2009. Tony and Guy are working together until that time to make a smooth transition. Welcome Guy! Thanks for a great job on many years of wonderful publications Tony!

M e m b e r s h i p R e p o r t – Elliotte Harold Elliotte reviewed the membership report. There were a total of 40 new members and there are 60 to be dropped for a net loss of 20. Total Membership stands at 456. See the membership report for more detail. There will be a membership supplement provided this year.

Elliotte indicated that he is willing to continue as membership chairman even as he takes on the presidency next year.

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Tr e a s u r e r ’s R e p o r t -- Dick Soukup Dick reviewed the treasurer’s report and the budget. See his reports for details. The report was accepted by the board and will be published in the Penny Bank Post.

Futur e C o n v e n ti o ns 2 0 09 : Mike Holz and his wife, Beth, are preparing for the convention in Gettysburg. They have secured the Wyndham hotel in Gettysburg at a rate of $119/night. The dates for the convention will be June 17th-20th. He plans to have a travelers display of nickel plated banks. He and Beth will open their home to view their collection on Thursday or Friday that week. The website will be updated with the details.

2 0 10 : Elliotte and Liz Harold will be hosting in New Orleans.

2 0 11 : There is not yet a location or host for the convention in 2011. If anyone is interested in hosting a convention please contact a board member.

The convention committee is comprised this year of

Mike Holz and Ken Russell. They would be happy to work with you or answer any questions you may have.

C a s t I r o n B u i l d i n g B a n k B o o k P r o j e c t -Elliotte Harold reported The book is almost complete. It should go out for bids in October. If all goes as planned, a note will go out to members with their dues notice. The book will be free to members but the member must pay for shipping.

Fi g ur al Le ad B o o k The board is considering a new figural lead book project and will be investigating the possibility of moving forward on it New Website Password will be set when the next issue of the Penny Bank Post goes out. Watch for the new password in the next edition.

Meeting was adjourned at 10am.

Who Made the State Banks?

Submitted by Tom Kellogg

Finally, an answer. A very generous fellow collector, who does not want to be named, sent me the two catalogue cuts from The Shimer Toy Company of Bethlehem, PA.. We knew that Shimer made a few of the State Banks but had no idea until now that they offered so many of the scarcer sizes and finishes listed on the attached catalogue cuts.

Although the catalogue cuts are not dated the other banks shown should date the time period to the 1890's. The Shimer Toy Co. catalogue cut from 1899, pictured in "The Penny Bank Book", by Andy Moore shows some of the same banks. It is interest-

ing that the newly discovered catalogue cuts show that at least one of the Rose Window Bank variations Elliotte Harold wrote about in the July 2007 issue of The Penny Post was a Shimer bank.

Again, a huge Thank You to the anonymous collector who was happy to share this great find with his fellow collectors.

Tom Kellogg

Th e f u z z y i m a g e o f th e str eet o f S ta t e B a n k s s h o w n a b o ve i s o n e t h a t I t o o k a t C h u c k M eek s h o u se so m e yea r s a g o , E d i to r

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Important Notices MID-ATLANTIC PENNY BANK CLUB OCTOBER 23, 24, 25TH 2008 PINE BARN INN – DANVILLE, PA PLEASE KEEP THESE DATES OPEN! WE WILL BE HAVING TWO HOME VISITATIONS THAT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!!

CONTACT HARRY AND LYNN WARD FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION.

Ceramic Money Banks Vol. 1 Discover 100 Years of Ceramic Money Banks Vol. 1 New Book is a comprehensive, visual guide that offers readers organized and accurate information about early ceramic banks. Ceramic money banks are rich in value and in culture. It is perhaps the scarcity of the banks that contributes to them being highly sought after. Readers and collectors alike can learn more about them with the release of 100 Years of Cerami c Money Banks, a new book authored by Beth Baddeley Huebner! This book is the first of two volumes on the subject.

100 Years of Cerami c Money Banks is a comprehensive, visual guide that showcases many fascinating ceramic works of art and their respective backgrounds. It is designed to provide organized, accurate information about early ceramic banks as it is known to the bank collecting community at this time. It also offers readers the most extensive published information to date, which is captured in two volumes. Each volume contains approximately a thousand banks which are divided into separate categories that readers can easily follow. Each bank is assigned an arbitrary name, country of origin, manufacture date, material used and a price guide for each bank. The banks represent the time period of 1850-1940 with a primary emphasis on European and American banks.

This is the first of two volumes. The second volume also contains approximately 1000 banks and is to be released this fall.

100 Years of Ceramic Money Banks * by Beth Baddeley Huebner 1850-1940 Vol. 1 Publication Date: June 20, 2008 Picture Book; $54.99; 182 pages; 978-1-4363-2950-7 Picture Book Hardcover; $64.99; 182 pages; 978-1-4363-2951-4 For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.

T he f o r e g oi n g i s f o r y o u r i n f o r m a t i o n o n l y – I h a v e n ’t s e e n n o r r e a d t h e b oo k s o I ’ m o n l y p r o vi d i n g t h e a d co p y. R e a d a n d j u d g e f o r y o u r s e l f a n d s e n d i n y o u r r e vi e w.

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Mid-Atlantic Penny Bank Club 2007 Convention Submitted by Shirley and Bob Peirce The Mid-Atlantic Penny Bank Club was formed in 1987 when Lynn and Harry Ward, Marge and Earl Albright, and Sonia and AL James had the idea of having a ‘second’ gathering of still bank collectors. They opened the club to all who were interested in collecting still banks of any type. Forty-one people met for the first convention. On October 6 and 7, 2007, thirty-five members gathered in Reading, PA for the 21st convention.

Charlie Carpenter and Nancy Pickle listening to a Bill Werbell story.

Incoming President, Steve Shadel

Outgoing President, Harry Ward

One of the scheduled events of the two-day convention is a reserve auction at no cost to the seller.

It’s a great way to add banks to ones collection.

Graham Jones performed the auctioneering duties as he has done on many occasions for the SBCCA conventions.

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Graham Jones auctioneering and Dottie Carpenter clerking the auction.

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Room shopping and searching for banks and other collectibles at shops in the local area were the first order of business for most attendees.

Bill Winter and Lin Pickle with their new purchase--Graham Jones’ book, Canadian Penny Banks.

Ann Jones providing technical support for Graham’s presentation on Canadian banks.

The highlight of the convention was a talk by Graham Jones on the subject of Canadian banks. He has an outstanding collection of banks and contribution boxes and gave a lively and enthusiastic talk.

He also recently published the second edition of a book composed solely of Canadian banks. It’s a great reference book to add to ones library.

Another of Graham’s avocations is being a ‘birder’ and he always has interesting bird stories and bird calls to share with the group.

Charlie and Judy Reynolds

The MAPBC is open to any bank collector. Dues are $10 per year. Information about joining this friendly group may be obtained by contacting Harry and Lynn Ward – see contact information in your SBCCA Member Directory.

The 2008 gathering will be in Danville, PA, October 24 and 25th and features two home visits to view collections.

Thanks to Tony Neilson for providing the photographs for this article.

- -Shirley and Bob Peirce

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Double Door Medallion Safe Bank - New Find Submitted by Guy & Kimberly Zani A few weeks ago, I was on Ebay going through the new bank listings, as we all have done. I was scanning the gallery photos and came across a listing for a Medallion Double Door Safe Bank.

I looked quickly at the photos and then moved on. But something must have registered in my subconscious, because after a few minutes I felt the need to return to that auction to take a closer second look at the photos.

Originally, it looked like a standard version of the Double Door Medallion Safe Bank number 85 (page 20) in the Iron Safe Banks Book by Bob and Shirley Pierce. I have two examples of this safe bank in my collection already, one nickel plated and one with original green paint. On closer examination it looked different, but I couldn't put my finger on why. Then I noticed that it had a different right hand door casting and a different lock assembly. The right hand door had a combination dial that was recessed into the door, unlike the one pictured in the book and the two examples I had in my collection. Also the combination dial and knob were different as well.

When I looked inside at the lock assembly it was also different. Instead of having both upper and lower locking bars with a central pivot point,

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this only had an upper locking bar and a drop lever arrangement totally different than the ones in my collection. It was obvious from closer inspection that this was cast this way as the inside of the door is free of any grinding marks that might indicate that this was a homemade job.

Interestingly, the casting number on the inside of the door is A8, just like the two I have, but everything else inside the door is different and functioning.

Based on this comparison I have come to the conclusion that this is a completely new version of this bank. I have seen many Medallion Double Door Safe Banks over the years, but never one like this.

I would like to hear from any other members that have a similar example of this bank in their collection. So go check your Double Door Medallion Safe Bank and see how it compares to the photos I am posting of this New Find.

The other lesson here is to look closely at banks you run across even if they appear to be common or that you already have one in your collection, because you never know when you might discover it is not what you first perceived it to be.

See comparison photos on page 18.