December 2005

PENNY BANK POST SBCCA

December 2005

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

Der Zwerg Perkeo ~ Measuring Banks Accurately ~ Tin German Submarine Bank ~ Remembrances of Andy Moore ~ The Lucky Jingle Piggie

Still Bank Collectors Club of America President Harold Blau Vice-President Mike Holz Secretary Harry Ward Treasurer Dick Soukup Past President & Member of the Board of Directors Charles Meeks - 2006 Board of Directors Tom Hagan 2007 Steve Vogelbaum 2007 Elliotte Harold 2006 Dolli Ketron 2006 Fred Schien 2006 Historian Robert A. Vicic - email at clubhistorian@sbcglobal.net Membership Chairman Elliotte Harold Editor, Penny Bank Post Tony Neilson Webmaster Greg Dean www.stillbankclub.com member transvaal (modified August 1st.)

Ethics Committee Chairman Jim Yeager Committee Members Don Heim Joe Wilkinson Michael Goldstein

FRONT COVER Pictured is the Tin German Submarine from the Blau Collection.

From The Editor’s Desk My sincere thanks are extended to all those that contributed to making this issue possible Harold & Rona Blau, Dr. Ed Brown, III, Lothar Graff, Elliotte and Liz Harold, Frank Kidd, Bob and Shirley Peirce, Jim Redwine, Charlie Reynolds, RSL Co., Russell Riberto, Robert Vicic, Harry Ward, Guy Williams and also our thanks go out to Lee & Karen Roesner at Paradigm Graphic Design in Northbrook, Il, and Dave Giddens & the team at Heritage Quality Printing in Brookfield, WI for turning out a first class magazine.

Guy Williams presented me with a package at the 2005 SBCCA Convention consisting of a marvelous comic he had acquired on the ‘Lucky Jingle Piggie’, a WWII vintage item promoting saving for war saving stamps, together with some photos. Guy had actually gone to the trouble of writing up a story summarizing the comic but I found the comic so delightful to read that I’ve decided to reproduce it in its entirety here. It was produced in 1942 when the world and America were caught up in one of the most dreadful conflicts in world history, one which resulted in the deaths of an estimated fifty to sixty million people. I leave it to each of you to appreciate this story about a very worthy cause with a cardboard Piggy Bank as the central character and manifest your own thoughts about how it compares to our world today in terms of commercialism, innocence, patriotism and values.

This issue contains a couple of tributes to our late Andy Moore and our featured educational article, Measuring Banks Accurately, should prove to be particularly informative for those of you, who like me, rely all too often on the eyeball school of measurement. I’ve had one of these for decades – why didn’t I think of this?

Visit our web site at www.stillbankclub.com. Fill out the field asking for member with the word, member and the password with the name, transvaal in lowercase text.

Please accept my sincere thanks for your submissions to the Penny Bank Post, your feedback, and if you’ve been thinking about sending in an article now would be a very good time to put it together because contributions have slowed to a trickle.

Officers and Directors please take note that we look to each of you to submit or solicit two articles each per year of service.

Again, and perhaps again and again until you tire of reading my plea and contribute, I strongly believe that the experienced collectors must make the effort to share some of the information they’ve acquired over the years to assist newer collectors in making good buying decisions. Please give this your serious consideration and contemplate what you could submit in the way of your experience and knowledge that would contribute to this effort and then take action.

Enjoy everything! Have a super holiday season.

Send your contributions to: Tony Neilson 18 – 15th. STREET, Roxboro, QC, H8Y 1N5, Canada E-mail to lynntony@videotron.ca 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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The Post - Classified Advertising For Sale. Penny Banks & Related

Cast iron building banks, safes, figural, tin and pottery banks.

Visit our web site at www.marklynantiques.com for photos and information. We also have additional banks for sale not on our web Mark Suozzi marklyn@valinet.com 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

Banthrico Building Book 2005 Edition.

The most comprehensive, up-to-date book available. $18.95 plus postage ($4.00 priority) and applicable tax for WA state residents.

Lance G. Oldham 1533 N.E. Tagholm Rd. Poulsbo,WA 98370-8014 klg97@tscnet.com

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 transpotation and architechtural banks • Special Price $40 + $5 SH Personalized & autographed by Jim Redwine 6940 Lake Valley Dr. Florissant, MO 63033 Tel # 314-741-6940

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: Rehberger building banks in excellent condition. Also interested in building shaped banks made by Art Metal Works. Please e-mail with description and price.

Thanks!

Gordon Steimle Steim98@aol.com

Wanted: Hubley Mascot, painted buildings (including Palace), Mechanical banks, wooden bank boxes, bank pictures and advertising. Individual items or whole collections will be considered.

“Condition is more important than the price” Bob Brady bobbra@comcast.net

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 Ironbanks@aol.com

Wanted: Banks with Working Clocks in them. The clock does not necessarily need to still work.

Please contact me if you have any for sale. Thanks, Dan Collins Dan Collins nu2u@adelphia.net Wanted- Any Glass Bank not in the Glass Bank Book. Also, Any banks made of - All Leather Charlie Reynolds reynoldstoys@erols.com

Wanted. Still banks with baseball themes, (players, balls, etc.) pre WWII. Condition matters but no reasonable offer will be ignored.

Barry I. Deutsch barryid@pobox.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

Wanted - Chein Banks. Particular ones with advertising on them. Also I am looking for a Snub Nose Shell, Epiphany Pence Barrel, Save & See 1939 W.F. globe.

Ted Targosz Teds_toys@hotmail.com Wanted Pevely “Moo Moo” Bank & “Bill Opossum Prosperity Bank” (a bisque bank).

Please contact Nancy McGrath im4truman@charter.net Or call 314-644-5488.

SBCCA Banks For Sale 1978 Pig, 1979 Suitcase, 1980 Green Frog, Flags Bank, with info, Club Rocking Horse serial #73, & also a Smile and Save Richard Brizendine, 940-668-6614 or alm@ntin.net BUY-SELL-TRADE Rehberger, Art Metal Works, American Art Works, K & O buildings & building banks.

RICHARD SOUYOUL SOUYOULDE@YAHOO.COM 312-804-2408

**Please advise me If you want the Post to continue carring your ad in 2006, otherwise it will be dropped. **

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President’s Message...

Harold Blau

Our club is fortunate to have remarkable members in leadership positions. When New Orleans was under water from the Katrina hurricane, it became obvious that we could not, with any certainty, continue to use that location for our 2006 convention.

In spite of family and property concerns and in spite of having to temporarily relocate out of state, our convention hosts Elliotte and Liz Harold quickly communicated their resolve. They would continue to host our annual convention- but a new location was necessary.

At this point, Mike Holz our V.P. and I discussed possible locations, recalling that we had a very large membership in Ohio. A few quick calls to hotels large enough to accommodate our needs resulted in the selection of the Holiday Inn, French Quarter, in Toledo. Mike negotiated a wonderful contract with special rates for SBCCA attendees.

Please visit our website at www.stillbankclub. com for details. In addition, local members agreed to open their homes for visitation and collection viewing.

Elliotte Harold will replace Larry Egelhoff as Membership Chairman, who resigned after many years of dedicated service. We thank Elliotte for his leadership in this capacity and look forward to his innovative plans. There is an old Hungarian saying; “If the handlebars are straight, the bicycle can go forward.”

Our club website, together with the instant method of joining and paying dues through PayPal, has generated an average of two new members every month. This will help us counteract the normal rate of membership attrition. In addition, our new Membership Chairman is in the process of updating our club ad in the Antique Toy World.

Another suggestion to increase membership is to have one-page flyers about our club inserted into the catalogues of major toy and bank auction houses. After all, many of the buyers at these specialized auctions are our very own club members, so this form of reciprocity seems quite logical.

If there are local auction houses that regularly offer still banks, we would ask members to try to 4

arrange SBCCA flyers in their catalogues or price lists. Many of our members have banks for sale that they put up on Ebay. We would urge them to include a statement about our club and mention our website in their listing. In this way, non-members who have become interested in collecting still banks may become familiar with our organization.

It is in the best interest of the club to maintain a healthy and growing membership. As our ranks increase we will find it easier to buy and sell our treasured toys. Attendance at our annual convention should increase as membership increases, and the base prices for banks, even common specimens, should stabilize. Our regional clubs, such as the Mid-Atlantic Penny Bank Club and the Gateway Bank club, can play a role in the acquisition of new members, as well as the personal contact we may meet in our travels. We welcome other suggestions, but you get the idea.

As in any large organization, the problem of communication with the membership is paramount. Soon it will be time for our annual dues renewal. Please do not forget to include any change of address, new email address or new phone number including cell phone numbers, along with your dues. By keeping this information current you will receive timely announcements, convention registration forms and the ever intoxicating Penny Bank Post arriving regularly in your mailbox. Often, news can be best be disseminated through our website, as was the case when we changed our convention site from New Orleans to Toledo, Ohio. Approximately 40-50% of our membership has regular internet access. This will increase as new generations join our ranks. We are fortunate to have Greg Dean as our Webmaster. He creates a lively, colorful website for us to enjoy.

On those cold and dreary winter nights, you can log on and see photos of wonderful banks and dream about your next find.

May I take this opportunity to wish all of our members and their families a most happy Holiday season, and the enjoyment of good health, prosperity and great bank finds in the coming year!

Perkeo, the Dwarf from Heidelberg Castle Submitted by Lothar Graff

There is hardly another place in Germany that attracts more tourists than the beautiful city of Heidelberg - the subject of the famous song, “I've lost my heart in Heidelberg”.

The magnificent view from the castle ruins overlooks the city of Heidelberg and the plain of the Rhine, delighting many visitors. A special attraction and highlight of the visit is the huge barrel with a capacity of 221,726 liters.

Elector Karl Philipp appointed the dwarf “Johannes” (John) guardian of the giant barrel. Karl Philipp had met the little one in 1720 during one of his journeys.

Karl Philipp was impressed by the dwarf’s repartee, humor and ability to drink a whole lot in proportion to his body size.

“There is a big barrel in my cellar. I appoint you (it’s) knight and chamberlain”, Karl Philipp said, “If you are able to drink up the whole barrel, the castle and the city will be yours.”

Hereupon the manikin laughed and said, “Perche no.” (why not!)

This amused the elector and he said: “Your name should be Perkeo.”

In Heidelberg he got a colored uniform, a big medal and a big key to the cellar. Perkeo delighted the whole Royal Chamber and the citizens of Heidelberg with his jokes.

During Perkeo’s lifetime, a monument was raised for him, one which he had designed himself. Today it stands next to the big barrel and visitors admire and laugh about it as people once did about the incarnate Perkeo.

The souvenir trade has taken advantage of the popularity of the castle in Heidelberg and the figure of Perkeo. The many souvenirs that have been produced include money banks - the castle from Heidelberg, the big barrel and, of course, the dwarf Perkeo.

See photos on Page 17.

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My Last Visit with Andy Moore Submitted by Dr. Ed Brown, III

It was January 1985 and I was in Chicago attending a business conference, I decided to call Andy Moore, initially just to chat. Of course, Andy invited me out to his home to visit personally and to enjoy his and Susan’s great toy bank collection.

I literally didn’t know which fantastic bank to look at first because it appeared that they had them all. After a super visit, Andy took me downstairs to his “selling room” where anybody could purchase selected banks that he currently had available for sale. John Haley had recently sent Andy a painted Transvaal Money Box that in John’s opinion, was second only to his own example and better than the example pictured on the cover of Andy’s Penny Lane Bank Book. Andy shared with me that even though he agreed that John’s example of the Transvaal was indeed better than his own, he had nonetheless decided to keep the Penny Lane cover Transvaal.

Lucky me, I was able to purchase the 2nd best painted Transvaal Money Box known at the time.

But hold on! My good fortune wasn’t yet over. Sitting on a table was a great mechanical bank – Alice in Wonderland – and it was the example from the great Ed Mosler collection. According to Andy, there were only four examples of this fantastic bank in original complete condition known so I, of course, bought it on the spot.

Imagine how I felt, being able to purchase two very rare and desirable banks in one afternoon, both with incredible provenance. I was really elated and, to this day, they remain two of my favorite banks.

That afternoon in Chicago took place twenty years ago and as I fondly remember all that happened that day, I truly treasure it all. Andy Moore was a super human being and a Bank Collector Extraordinaire.

Every time I see these two banks in my bank room, I remember not only the fun I had the day I acquired them but also a truly great friend. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

And Speaking of the Transvaal Money Box Submitted by Frank Kidd

I’m enclosing pictures of a couple of my Transvaal Money Box Banks. Mine has a cigar and as usual I have left it the way I got it. Couldn’t decide if a fake pipe was better than a cigar that nobody would think was real. (Well, don’t all Generals smoke cigars? Ed.) The

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Transvaal with two fronts is made of Aluminum is a Whitehead creation. He’s the same guy that made the Gorilla holding a book in one hand. The Transvaal is so ugly that I love it. See picture on page 15.

Remembering Andy Moore Submitted by Russell Riberto

Enclosed are a couple of pictures taken in my barber shop back in the late seventies one of which, is a picture is a picture of Andy Moore. Andy Moore was my Banker for many years and lived only a few blocks from my home. He taught me about bank collecting and I once went with Andy to a bank auction in Marshalltown.

I had a very interesting barber shop and antique shop and many collectors passed through my place of business. Writers across the country mentioned me in their columns many times.

I encourage all of the members to keep Andy Moore in your thoughts and prayers and here’s wishing Good Collecting to all my collector friends from Mr. Russell’s world known in the collecting field.

Mr. Russell J. Riberto Better known as Russell’s Antiques now and located at: 8944 S. Mozart Ave. Evergreen Park, Il 60805 Still going strong at 83.

Stay away from those cigarettes!

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Auction Highlights from RSL Co. The prices below are a very small sampling of prices realized at the first two auctions held by the auction company formed by Ray Haradin, Steven Weiss and Leon Weiss. Both auctions were very successful and the prices below illustrate, as always, that condition and rarity prevail in the marketplace when it comes to valuing an example of any given bank, whether it be a “C” or an “E”.

Some Highlights from the McCumber Auction in May. Prices do not include the buyers premium unless indicated (*).

LOT #.BANK TITLE . . . . CONDITION. . . MOORE #. HAMMER 535. . . . Armoured Car. . . . . . Excellent . . . . . . 1424. . . . . . . . . . $3,100 537. . . . Model T. . . . . . . . . . . Near Mint. . . . . . 1484. . . . . . . . . . . 3,000 539. . . . Yellow Cab Limo. . . . Pristine. . . . . . . . 1480. . . . . . . . . * 5,500 545. . . . Barge . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pristine. . . . . . . . 1453. . . . . . . . . . . 8,500 564. . . . Bear – Tin . . . . . . . . . Very Rare. . . . . . ~~ . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,500 565. . . . Beaver . . . . . . . . . . . . Very Rare. . . . . . 750. . . . . . . . . . * 7,850 617. . . . Grandfather Clock. . Pristine. . . . . . . . 1543. . . . . . . . . . . 2,900 630. . . . Clown – Tin. . . . . . . . Extra Rare. . . . . Like 1400 . . . . . . 3,500 1066. . . Possum on Base. . . . Ex. Very Rare. . . 563. . . . . . . . . . * 8,800 1151. . . The Trust Bank. . . . . Very Fine . . . . . . 154. . . . . . . . . . . . 1,500

And more Highlights from the Ayer Auction in November.

All prices include buyers premium of 17.5%.

LOT #.BANK TITLE . . . . CONDITION. . MOORE # . HAMMER 15. . . . . Captain Kidd. . . . . . . Pristine. . . . . . . . 38. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,090 33. . . . . Golliwog. . . . . . . . . . . Pristine. . . . . . . . 85. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,495 38. . . . . The Trust Bank. . . . . Pristine. . . . . . . . 154. . . . . . . . . . . 14,950 163. . . . Eiffel Tower. . . . . . . . Excellent . . . . . . 1074. . . . . . . . . . . 4,025 171. . . . Jarmulowsky Bldg.. . Excellent . . . . . . 1086. . . . . . . . . . . 6,555 221. . . . Old Volunteer F.D. . . Very Fine . . . . . . ~~ . . . . . . . . . . . 10,350 222. . . . Boston State. . . . . . . Very Fine . . . . . . 1210. . . . . . . . . . . 9,775

Necrology At the Annual General Meeting held at our convention banquet on Friday, June 10th, Don Dyer offered a prayer for deceased members Dick Shepard and John J. Petro and requested a minute of silence.

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On behalf of the membership, the Post extends sympathies to their families and friends.

Measuring Banks Accurately Submitted by Bob Vicic

Here’s one little problem I noted some time ago: When I took measurements of our banks, the measurements were often quite different from those I found in The Penny Bank Book. Discrepancies were most often noted when I measured a building bank having a spire or tower located near the middle of the bank—at a place where I could not get a ruler “up close” for an accurate measurement. The “State” banks are good examples of this. Some safe banks might also qualify.

Differences in the measurements, I surmised, were caused in three ways: Either we had a scarce variation in our collection (probably more than a bit unlikely); or a typographical error was made in publishing; or that someone made an error in taking measurements. If I were a betting man, I think I’d put good money on the last reason!

The answer to obtaining good measurements was quite simple. I now use a combination square, a hand tool used by carpenters and machinists, when taking measurements. The device consists of two parts, a grooved blade (with 1/8” and1/16” scales on one side and 1/32” and 1/64” scales on the other side) and the square itself, which rides in the grooved blade. I like the 1/8” scale the best because it is both easy to read and sufficiently accurate.

Here’s some really good news. The combination square, should you want to purchase one, is available from your local hardware store for as little as about $5.00.

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Still Bank Collectors Club of America Board of Directors Breakfast Meeting Eden Resort Inn & Suites Friday, June 10, 2005

The meeting of the Still Bank Collectors Club of America was called to order at 7:50am. Those in attendance were: Harold Blau, President; Mike Holtz, Vice President; Harry Ward, Secretary; Dick Soukup, Treasurer; Tony Neilson, Penny Bank Post Editor; Chuck Meeks, Past President; Bob Vicic, Historian; Greg Dean, Web Master; Board of Directors, Fred Schien, Ken Russell, Elliotte Harold, Dolli Kettron; Guests Tom Hagen and Steve Vogelbaum.

Web Page - Greg Dean distributed a four page report. He reviewed account information, summary of web site statistics for 12 months and hits by day. Harold Blau stated that a review of the by laws revealed that there is no provision for the web master to have a vote on the board. A motion and second for the web master to have a vote was passed unanimously.

Historian's Report - Bob Vicic reported that he has received all archive material from Jeanie Egelhoff consisting of 87 cartons, 9 pallets weighing 32,000 pounds. He distributed a copy of the inventory and a new Historian's Policy. Discussion followed about how to reduce this inventory. Bob stated that he has the old minutes of the club. Convention hosts will ship any surplus to the Historian for storage.

Membership - Larry Egelhoff not present, no report.

Discussion followed about updating the membership directory. It was decided not to spend the money to print a current update. Larry will be asked to give us current membership numbers including how many joined via Pay Pal and how many paid by check. Information to be given to Board members only.

Secretary's Report - The minutes of the 2004 Board of Directors Meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer's Report - Dick reported the club is financially sound (with a Fund Balance as at December 31, 2004 of $59,075). He distributed the 2005 Budget showing a balance of $57,000.00. He reminded the Board that the Building Bank Book will cost between $15,000.00 & $20,000.00. Pay Pal button was approved during the year by email by a vote of 10 for, 2 against and 1 abstain.

During 7 months, 17 new members signed up. Cost for this service to the club is 1.5%. Discussion was held on allowing members to pay dues online using Pay Pal. Mike Holtz motioned to approved, was seconded by Chuck Meeks and was passed.

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Still Bank Collectors Club of America (continued)

By Laws - Mike Holtz announced that he will chair a committee of past presidents, Bob Brady, Chuck Meeks and Don Duer, to review and revise the by laws where needed and will have a report before the next Board meeting for review by the Board.

Future Conventions - A proposal to make Lancaster a permanent site for the convention every third year was considered and dropped. Elliotte Harold said we are all set for New Orleans next year with a room rate of $69 per night.

Nominating - The two nominations for directors are Tom Hagen and Steve Vogelbaum; 2-year term.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 a.m.

Respectfully submitted, Harry A. Ward, Secretary

Ethics Committee - One investigation on an incident that happened several years ago was considered and dropped due to time lapse.

Toledo SBCCA Convention 2006 Submitted by Elliotte & Liz Harold

Just before we left for a two weeks vacation on August 22, we finished an article for this issue describing the scenic, historic, and culinary delights awaiting our members at the 2006 convention in New Orleans. We planned to return, take some pictures to accompany the article, and mark off one more item on our convention “to do” list. A week later Hurricane Katrina blew through town.

We received first hand reports that, though many buildings suffered damage, our hotel and our home were basically unscathed. With the convention more than nine months away there was little concern. Then the levees broke and all bets were off. Our home was still in fine shape. The hotel received a little water but was quickly back in business. The city of New Orleans, however, was not as fortunate.

Although certain areas are slowly getting back to a semblance of normalcy, others will require months or even years. It was questionable whether New Orleans would be a fun tourist destination by June so the SBCCA Board decided to look for another location.

As we discussed in the letter sent to all members in September, the Toledo Ohio area

was selected as an alternate site. We will convene June 15-17, 2006 at the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Although we remain disappointed that we won’t be able to show you plantations and alligators we are working hard to prepare a fun convention. You may look forward to all the expected activities – wonderful talks, the auction and social events plus visits to some really outstanding collections. We are gratified that so many folks from the Toledo area have volunteered to help.

We encourage you to make your reservations early. As we mentioned in our recent letter, it is a busy weekend in the Toledo area.

Call the hotel directly at 1-888-874-2795 and be sure to mention “Still Bank Club” to get the convention rate of $89.00 per night. If you run into any problems ask to speak to Florence.

Also feel free to call us at 504-833-2715 or send us an e-mail at eharo@bellsouth.net if you have any questions or problems.

Liz and Elliotte Harold

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The Mid-America Bank, Building and Promo Club 2005 Convention & MBBPC Hall of Fame Submitted by Jim Redwine

Formerly named the MSSNBBC, the name of our club was changed at the Board of Directors meeting conducted on October 14th at the annual convention.

I’m very pleased to report that our first convention was a great success with some fifty people in attendance.

The location of the 2006 convention will be St. Louis, MO and 2007 will be held in Indianapolis, IN.

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In my capacity as Chairman of the MBBPC I presented Jeanie and Larry Egelhoff with the first MABBC Hall of Fame award comprised of a certificate (reproduced below) and a plaque. They are very deserving of this recognition and were both grateful and overwhelmed.

DONSCO Bank

Submitted by Charlie Reynolds Pictured are two versions of the DONSCO (John Wright) Foundry Building.

The original also has round black felt on the bottom corners....may or may not be factory placed.

The original version was given away at a Christmas party of foundry workers in 1996. This version has, “ DONSCO” on the clear story roof....same side as the

The plain roof version was for sale in the John Wright Factory store. They may still be available from

coin slot.

The other side of the roof has, “1906 - 1996”. The lettering is incised in the roof. The length is 5-3/8”...35/16” wide and 3-7/8” tall. The bottom coin trap is the same as a Book of Knowledge.

time to time.

The original I purchased from a John Wright worker that got it at the Christmas Party in 1969. For a modern bank it is difficult to find.

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Tin German Submarine Bank Submitted by Harold and Rona Blau

At first viewing, this bank looks like someone’s metal shop project because it is simple and devoid of paint. However, after careful examination we came to the conclusion that it was indeed a production item. It measures 9” long but only 2 1/2” high. This child’s coin bank commemorates a famous German submarine of WWI and has a very fine slot designed to take a large coin. The rear propeller, a three blade gold metallic over tin design, is pinned to the rear cone and turns freely. The top center cap is removable and simulates the hatch cover of a real submarine, and the front cone has the letters “SM U 53” stenciled on in black paint.

War 1 popularity of military toys. It has the unusual feature of a swing away front cone that is unlocked with a key. The lock is most unusual, as it has one side that is curved to fit neatly against the interior matching curved wall of the cone. It is unusual to find a curved lock, and this feature is further evidence of professional production, since it had to be subcontracted to specification.

Unfortunately, there are no other marks that would identify the manufacturer. However, a careful examination of Moore’s book reveals a very similar tin bank, M#1426, called Torpedo U-28 that was also made in Germany. This Torpedo Bank has a similar swing away,

This of course, means that the vessel can be “(S)ub(M)erged” (i.e. a submarine) and is number U 53, which identifies it as having been made in the Germaniawerft shipyard in Kiel.

Our sub bank is a “model” of an esteemed vessel that was built in 1914 and launched on Feb. 1, 1916.

Its commanders were Hans Rose from January 1917 to August 1918, and Otto Von Schrader from August to November of 1918. During its active engagement the submarine went on 13 patrols and had an extraordinary official record of sinking 90 ships. It surrendered on December 1st. of 1918 and was finally broken up at Swansea in 1922.

This early tin bank was probably manufactured as part of a cottage industry taking advantage of the World

hinged nose cone that is opened with a key, and also stands on mounts shaped exactly like the ones on our submarine bank. It’s a good bet that M #1426 and this submarine bank were created by the same unknown manufacturer.

We would rate this bank a “3” in scarcity along with M#1426. It is much too delicate for many to have survived the better part of a century, and as such, this unusual tin submarine is an interesting and scarce addition to the other ships in our collection. We would appreciate further input from anyone who has this bank, or one sufficiently similar to be placed in the same genre.

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DECEMBER 2005

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Now available in colors see bottom of page 17

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Elliotte Harold, SBCCA Membership Chairman 440 Homestead Avenue Metairie, LA 70005-3208

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Note that while Sears is still with us, this offer expired a very long time ago.

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