Authenticate Item Before Banking on It

Question: In thumbing through a collector’s catalogue, I saw prices for “still” banks. Because I’m interested in collecting banks, can you tell me what this means?--S.F.

Answer: It simply refers to banks that don’t have moving parts.

The other bank collectible category is classified “mechanical” and, generally, these banks, depending on their complexity, have greater value than the non-mechanical variety.

Among the more popular still banks sought by collectors are those with advertising messages. These banks--such as the old Burma Shave variety--were produced in great quantity and may therefore have limited value. We’ve seen them change hands, depending on condition, for under $20 each.

Bank collectors usually try to specialize. Some collectors, for example, only look for banks in the shape of animals; others search for banks produced by a particular company.

Before buying a collectible bank, make sure that it’s in top condition and that its advertising message or decoration is readable. Painted-over banks lose their value.

The first American still banks were made of pottery, according to collectors, and date back to the Founding Fathers. Such banks are difficult to find, bring high prices and, undoubtedly, would have to be appraised for their authenticity.

Then came the production of cast iron banks, currently highly sought after by collectors. Many of these banks bore colorfully painted advertising messages and, ironically, were produced in their greatest quantities during the Great Depression.

Leading cast iron bank manufacturers included the Arcade Mfg. Co., Hubley and J. & E. Stevens.

Other substances used to produce still banks included aluminium, brass and glass.

Because still banks are produced in quantity, the would-be collector should be careful before purchasing one at a flea market or dealer show. Because it’s not unusual to find price tags up to $100 or more on prized still banks, attempt to authenticate it before purchasing.

P.B. of Tujunga collects old wooden jigsaw puzzles.

“I have found that these puzzles are scarce, to say the least,” writes P.B. “I’ve asked many antique dealers for them and just get a funny look.”

Any other collectors of wooden jigsaw puzzles or jigsaw collector groups should drop us a note, and we’ll put out the word so that P.B. can get in touch.