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eb.g bomingue; ~~ 1968 .Jlo.2 -- ...-. -- .
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ebitorial
bank gems
Here we are, late once again. As usual, we ran into delays and we can hardly say any more that it's unexpected because it just seems to be the way of the world that very few things go off on schedule any more.
This attractive and intriguing bank depicts a hand holding a globe of the world. It can be classified as belonging to the category of stills that commemorate events because moulded on the base are the words, "World's Fair - Chicago 1893" and "St .. Louis 1904".
To show you that we're thinking ahead, we are already starting work on our third issue for the year which should be coming out in late December. Since you got our last issue, you have received our arcade catalogue reprint so for this issue of the "Post", we are not attaching any catalogue page reprints but we will resume this practice in the next issue.
COMMENTS FRO:rv; THE PR:¢:SIDENT
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the membership of the Still Bank Collectors Club for electing me president of our new organization.
Apparently, the bank was produced during the period of the St. Louis exposition. It is 4½" high, the base is 2 3/4" wide and the globe's circumference is 8 3/4". It is finished in copper oxide, and the slot is located on the top of the globe. The topography of the continents are in relief and the hand is finely detailed. We have b€en unsuccessful in obtaining any information about this bank's history and are aware of its existence in only one collection.
Du.ring the 10 years that I have been collecting banks, I have visited a number of collectors and have enjoyed seeing their banks, sharing their experiences in acquiring them and seeing banks I never knew existed. I have always had the idea that it would be worthwhile to create an organization where collectors could become aware of the numerous varieties of banks that were produced. Continued on Page 4
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~onuention
1968
The first convention of the Still Bank Collectors Club of America was held on Saturday, June 8th, at the Town House Motel, Hightstown, New Jersey. The Following twenty-three (23) members and wives attended: MARGARETAND HERBERT CONOVER, SR. HIGHTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY CHARLOTTE AND HERBERT CONOVER, JR. HIGHTSTOWN, NEW JERSEY CHARLES FOLLERT BROOKLYN, NEW YORK RALPH CRAIG AMHERST, MASS. ELAINE AND WILLIAM WERBELL NEW YORK CITY GEORGE DOMINGUEZ ARDSLEY, NEW YORK MADELINE AND FRED GREEN MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY RALPH DYE MC CONNELSVILLE,
OHIO
ABBY AND AARON SCHROEDER NEW YORK CITY MR. AND MRS. TOMMYENNIS CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA MR. AND MRS. HALL HENRY CHESTER: VERMONT ELIZABETH AND RICHARDHALE CARLISLE, MASS.
MR. AND MRS. RICHARD LOHR WAYNESBORO, PA. BERNARD AND EDITH BARENHOLTZ PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
Coffee and Danish were served preceeding the business meeting which opened at 10:30 a.m. After Bill Werbell greeted and welcomed the members, George Dominguez presided. We first discussed whether to establish any requirements for membership. It was decided that the club's structure should remain informal with the only requisites for joining an interest in still banks and submission of dues. Election of officers was then held. Nominated and elected by the members present were President: William Werbell; Vice President and Mid-West Regional Representative: Louis Filler; Treasurer and Secretary: Elaine Werbell; Librarian (to retain any cataloges and other pertinent material obtained by the club) Abby Schroeder; Editor of the Penny Bank Post, George Dominguez. Term of office is for one year. Ralph Craig suggested that as the club grows we elect additional Vice Presidents in regional areas such as South, West, etc.
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George Dominguez explained that the Penny Bank Post has been delayed because the printer mislayed our layouts, but that he had recently recovered them. He asked for discussion concerning the Penny Bank Post's continuance, and if approved, how frequently should it be issued. He explained that it costs approximately $100.00 for each issue, including typing, printing and mailing. The group voted to continue the Penny Bank Post three times yearly with no limit on the amount of photographs in order to conserve funds. Abby Schroeder advised that she will consult a printer she utilizes to determine whether we can receive a better rate and better service. George Dominguez asked that we always welcome photographs, articles, experiences in collecting and catalog pages for reproduction. Charles Follert added that he feels all members have something they can write about on banks which can be shared with others. Ralph Craig proposed that we advertize in Antique Trader and other publications to inform people about the club's existence. A motion to advertize was presented and carried. Bill Werbell explained that an original Arcade Catalog of the 1920 period with many pictures of stills is available for $50.00 and a discussion ensued about purchasing it for the club. We voted to buy the catalog and to publish it as an entity rather than use pages in each issue of the "Post". The members discussed providing the catalog to the membership at publication cost and also printing additional copies for sale to the public.
Abby Schroeder wondered if the United States Patent Office could be a source of information on banks. George Dominguez replied that very few stills have patent numbers. He once requested the papers for the patent number of the Billiken Bank and received information on a hot steam table. He said if the club ever voted to spend the money, $100.00 would employ a professional patent searcher who could determine all the available data on stills. We discus·sed the location of next years convention. Mrs. Conover, Sr. proposed it be held in Cincinnati so that we can have more members from the Mid-West and see Louis Filler's collection. Western Pennsylvania was also suggested as a possible area. Bill Werbell surveyed the group and nine members thought they would attend a convention held in Ohio or Western Pa. Bill Werbell proposed that the specific location of the convention remain tentative until we can determine whether sufficient members from the Mid-West will attend. Bill werbell then explained that the club had purchased two banks to be raffled today to the membership. A motion was approved to continue this practice spending $1.00 per member on the banks.
The business meeting was adjourned and several collectors exhibited the banks they had brought for display and swapping. Members had an opportunity to examine some unusual and rare banks they had not seen before. We note the Umpire standing on baseball and ABC block belonging to Tommy Ennis, Aaron Schroeder's Oriental Camel and Ralph Dye's Bust of Smiling Bill and Lucky Jim and Fred Green's Tiny Rabbit on Dated Base. The auction commenced with a total of 142 banks offered. Many were common, none in the realm of the very rare and scarce, but a plentiful quantity were the better, solid desirable stills as Yellow Cab, White City Puzzle Pail, Large Standing Santa Claus, Lion on Wheels, Irish Policeman and Pet Safe. The auction was interrupted for our delicious luncheon. Afterwards, each member introduced himself and commented on his collection and collecting interests. Next our raffle was held and the first prize, Large Billiken on Throne was won by Henry Blazy, Pepper Pike, Ohio. Barney Barenholtz -- a new member who joined that day -- won second prize, standing Boston Bull Dog with head averted. George Dominguez presented an informative talk on the historical aspect of still banks and Bill Werbell narrated his colorful slides of English Banks.
Our auction was continued and concluded. Fred and Madelaine Green generously donated the proceeds from the sale of several banks towards the purchase of the Arcade catalog. The Conover, Jrs. and Srs. invited the members to visit their respective collections. We first viewed Herbert Conover's Jr. fine collection and then went to the senior Conover home where we all enjoyed their interesting collection and some refreshments.
e.tuerbell Continued
from Fag~_1:
With the help of CJeorge Uominguez and my wife Zlaine, we decided to go a.head with the formation of the Still Bank 0ollectors Club oi' ~merica., with dues initially at $5.00 a year. However, the high cost of printing necessitated raising dues to $10 yearly so that our expenses could be covered. In our second -·.r we retained most of our m(•l• ers as well as increasing ouT· .,1embership by 20%. New collectors join constantly. Thia is a good sign that we have a vital and permanent organization. An indication of the group's future development was seen at our first convention. I expected that members in the area would attend but when members arrived from Mass, Vermont, Ohio and West Virginia,! was very pleased and gratified. I wish to thank Elaine V~erbell, George Dominguez, Abby ~chroeder, Mr. and Mrs. H. Conover clr and Jr and all those who helped make our convention a huge suceess.
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FROM CHARLES FOLLERT "I wish to thank the organizers of the Still Bank Collectors for a fine and enjoyable annual convention. As I mentioned at the convention, the difficulties I had getting to Hightstown and cutting my vacation short in order to attend, were certainly worth it. I considered the day the best one of my vacation.
The work and time that Bill and Elaine Werbell and George Dominguez put into the organizing of this group and this first annual convention must have been tremendous, but not one of you mentioned one word about it and then to have consented to a second year as officers of the group. If it had been said, "Give it up to me, I would have 11 to someone else •
Also, seeing old friends again, and meeting new friends and the enthusiasm of everyone. The number of banks brought to swap and sell would have made a fine collection of 200 to 300 banks. Anyone that had gone home without banks for their collection either were broke or too busy talking about banks when they should have been buying. I came home with seven, 2 new additions and five to upgrade. I was talking -- it should have been more. Will be looking convention next
forward year.
to
FROM RALPH DYE The talk on historical aspects of some banks and building banks by George was very interesting. The slides showing the fine English Banks, and unusual ones, some with no known name was also interesting. Maybe someone will come up with names before the next convention. Slides and talk was great. Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Ennis and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Green are to be thanked for bringing the fine scarce and rare banks from their collections, which must be outstanding ones. I for one had never seen many of them. The fine original condition of most of them was unbelieveable, unles·s seen. My thanks to both for their thoughtfulness in doing so. Hope they and others will do the same next year. Pictures do not show a bank as it actually is, always leaves something doubtful.
Would you believe -- I still cannot get over the thrill of seeing and hearing about the unusual banks brought to light at our meeting. Of most interest to me was the slides on the English Banks. Another special interest was seeing the "Umpire" and "ABC Block" banks of Tommy Ennis. I had not heard of either of these. I believe a marvelous time was had by all of those in attendance.
bistortcal notr s In previous issues we have delt with some of the major toy bank manufacturers. Fortunately, some of the industry's giants, such as the J.& E Stevens Company and the A. c. Williams Company, were well documented and the full logical and coherent story could be told about these concerns.
At that time, they established Banthrico and formed two (2) subsidiaries; the sales agency, Banthrico International, Inc. and the manufacturing company under the denomination, Banthrico Industries, Inc.
Unfortunately though, as any of you who may have attempted to research some of these old manufacturers knowJ many of the lesser lights were not so well recorded and the history of these companies is less well known and more difficult to precisely identify.
Banthrico is still in business and their mail headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois. At this time, they manufacture banks exclusively for distribution through the banking industry and their products cannot be purchased through conventional toy stores, department stores, or other wholesale or retail outlets. It is interesting to realize that Banthrico is the largest producer of coin banks in the world (according to their assessment of the market) and that they employ upwards of 100 workers in their plant.
Fortunately, however, we do have the complete story on a concern that manufactures banks that are in many collections, despite the fact that they are of a more contemporary nature.
The company involved is now known as Banthrico International, IncorporatedJ although you may be familiar with them under their original name of the Strong hart Company which was established in 1914, at which -time they began the manufacture of banks. Primarily supplying the banking industry with the so called "give away" banks, Stronghart was absorbed in 1929 by the Bankers Thrift Corporation which ironically enough had been founded in 1921 by one of their own salesmen who had opened in competition with them when he set • up the Bankers Thri;t Corporation .. In 1931 Bankers Thrift went into bankruptcy and in the fall of that year, !tit'. Gerome B. Aronson and Banthrico's
present president, Mr. Joseph L. Eisendrath, acquired the assets of the =ormer company at a federal receivers sale.
Some of Banthrico's most famous banks were in the category of bust banks and they are the manufacturers of the currently very popular John F. Kennedy bust.
We are very much in debt to Mr. Joseph L. Eisendrath for his cooperation in providing documentation relative to his firm and the sincere interest and cooperation that he has extended to us.
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··:t,t·tll JQank'1rabulatton ~ o.5 :r,itrb rianks Whether whimsical or realistic in designJ bird banks have always been desired by collectors. So many varities have been produced, that it is ·a fascinating challenge to attempt to obtain them all. The small rooster and turkey, manufactured in abundance for a considerable number of years, are frequently encountered while the American Eagle and the later Atta Boy and Duckling with Spread Wings are quite difficult to unearth. PHOTO #1 LEFT TO RIGHT TOP TO BOTTOM 1.
OWL ON BASE 4¼2 high and 2½" wide. Owl is painted orange white with a black bill. Slot is in the back of the owl's
2.
OWL ON TREE STUMP 5" high, 2½" wide and 1 5/8" deep. Owl is gilt and the saying on the tree "Be Wise Save Money" can be either in red or in black and white. Made by A. C. Williams Company. It was offered by wholesaler Charles Broadway Rouse in 1915.
3.
BIRD ON TREE STUMP 5" high, 4 3/4 long. Painted in two manners, all gilt and gilt trimmed in silver, greenJ copper and black. Made by A. C. Williams Company and was offered by Charles Broadway Rouse in 1915.
4.
PARROT ON STUMP 6½ 11 high. breast, blue feathers with brown stump. coin slot is bank.
5.
AMERICAN EAGLE 4 11 high and painted in gilt. Slot is in tree stump upon which the bird is
Bird is colorfully orange trim and is in the back of the
7
and head.
painted with a yellow sitting on a light bird. A rather heavy
Holds sitting.
a US shield.
t
PHOTO #2 TOP TO BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT 1.
DUCK ON TUB 5½" high. A white duck, wearing a black hat and holding a black umbrella rests on a red tub imprinted in gold letters "Save for a Rainy Day". Bird can also be painted in white with dark grey shading. Made by Hubley and featured in their catalogue of the late 1930's.
2.
DUCK 5" high gilt with red
3.
"RED GOOSE SHOES" GOOSE 3 3/4" high. Painted as a promotional item by Red Goose chiidren's
4.
"RED GOO:SE SHOES" GOOSE ON BASE
5.
"RED GOOSE SCHOOL SHOES" GOOSE 3 3/4"
and 3½" wide. Made by A. C. Williams. and black eyes.
4½" high. high
Painted
in red shoes. Painted
in
and offered
in red.
and painted
in
red.
all
gilt
PHOTO #3 TOP TO BOTTOM LEFT TO RIGHT 1.
LARGE TURKEY 4½" high brown with red crest.
and 3 3/8" wide. Two finishes, Made by A. c. Williams.
2.
SMALL TURKEY 3¼" high 2 5/8" wide. Two finishes, gilt and brown with red crest. Made by A. c. Williams and described in their catalog as "a new departure in toy banks--a mental ornament as well as a beautiful toy". Sold by Butler Brothers in 1910 and Charles Broadway Rouse in 1915.
3.
LARGE ROOSTER WITH CROWN 5½" high and 3 3/4 long. black with a red crown. Slot is in the top of the
4.
BABY BIRD 4½" high and of head and bill finished underneath bird.
5" long. in red.
Painted in tail feathers.
Painted in yellow with the top Has a large round coin trap
8
and
..
5.
ROOSTER 4 3/4" high. Usually found in gilt with a red comb and in black with red comb. Made by several firms. Hubley's 1912 catalog listed the rooster as bank "824". It was not pictured in Hubley's 1906 catalog. Also made by Arcade black paint and red trim and by A. C. Williams and shown in their 1934 catalog (painted in black gilt with red trim and also finished in all red, blue and green. Offered for sale by Butler Brothers in 1910 and Charles Broadway Rouse in 1915.
PHOTO #4 LEFT TO RIGHT 1.
DUCKLING WITH SPREAD WINGS 5" high, Painted in gilt and heavy in weight.
2.
PELICAN
3.
ATTA BOY 5" tall and 3" wide. wearing black suit, black shoes, and vest.
4.
GOOSE 1920's.
5½" high,
3 7/8"
high.
2
11
wide
Painted
and
2½" wide
3¼" deep.
and
3¼" deep.
Gilt.
Bird is on a green base white shirt and a grey
in Gilt
and made by Arcade
and hat
is
in
the
PHOTO #5 "PETER'S WEATHERBIRD" 4\" tall, 2 11 wide. A rather heavy bank for small size. The cap, neckerchief, pants, mouth and lettering on base are in red, the belt is orange, jacket blue, face and hands of brown and base and tail are yellow. Bill, eyes and satchual are white.
•
We wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Art Mundis for allowing us to photograph several of their bird banks and Mr. Ralph Dye for supplying photographs and information on "Peter's Weatherbird". we would appreciate any photographs and data on bird banks not described here.
9
its
2
1
4
5
10
.
1,uppltmtntat!' notes
e
on bank gems MR~ .ANVMRS. HERBERTCONOVERJSR. YORKROAD
NUMBERONE
HIGHTSTOWN, N. J.
"THE TRUST BANK". An important authority has informed us that this bank was manufactured in England and the figure represents a commercial banker.
08520
AA.tltH ~AMES M'.Rf;i. RALPH EAMES
8270 SW 153RD ST.
MlAMX.,FLORIDA 33157 NUMBERTWO
GERR~TVANDERENDE ~ACIFIC FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOANASSOCIATION TACOMA, WASHINGTON 98401
"INDIAN FAMILY". A careful scrutiny of the back of the bank has revealed that the date 1907 appears under the word "copyright". We are wondering if the J. Harper who manufactured the bank is the same company as John Harper & co. Ltd. and English firm that produced several mechanical banks.
MR. AND MRS. EARL MC DONALD 1515 CEDAR HILL ROAD GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA 91202 MR. AND MRS. A. J. KOVELESKI SCRANTON HOBBY CENTER 329-331 ADAMS AVENUE SCRANTON, PA. 18503 LAVETTE THOMAS TURNER RT. 1 BOX 207 DAYTON, WASHINGTON 99328 AARON SCHROEDER 315 W. 57TH ST. NEW YORK CITY 10019 BERNARD BARENHOLTZ 444 ROSEDALE ROAD PRINCETON, N. J. 08540
ALVANBISNOFF CLAUDEBISNOFF 47 E. 88th st. NEWYORK, 28,
NUMBER THREE I
• "PALACE BUILDING". A knowledgeable early collector and bank expert advised our member Charles Follert that this building was made by J & E Stevens Company, Cromwell Company for Ives and distributed by them. Another version of the bank has mirrors inside the windows which emit an impressive reflection. The variation seems more difficult to obtain than the one in our photograph.
NEWYORK
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