(LOT 552)
Antique 19th Century Cast Iron "Darktown Battery" Mechanical Baseball Bank
Considered one of the finest cast iron mechanical toy banks in the hobby, the c.1888/'89 "Darktown Battery" baseball bank presented here is on every sophisticated toy enthusiast's want list. Designed and patented by James H. Bowen on January 17, 1888, it was manufactured by the J. & E. Stevens Co. of Cromwell, Conn. Recognized in his field as among the foremost of mechanical banks, he patented many classic cast iron banks including the likewise iconic "Girl Skipping Rope". The presented bank has managed to retain a significant amount of its original red, yellow, light blue and red painted hues with typical spotted color loss evident among the three baseball figures.

Miraculously, the bank is still in working condition, operated by (1) placing a coin in the pitcher's hand and bringing the arm back to a swinging position; (2) depressing the cast iron push down lever located behind the catcher whereby the pitcher throws the coin (intended ball) towards the catcher; (3) with the coin dropping down into the bottom compartment as the catcher's chest plate opens allowing the coin to fall. The bank's base measures approximately 10" x 2-3/4" with a height of some 7-1/4".

You can still view the "POSSUM" text across the batter's jersey, the embossed "DARKTOWN BATTERY" text across the front's lower base has lost a majority of its original red paint, and there are actually some coins (pennies, nickels, etc.) still residing in the bank's base. This cast iron mechanical bank combines both the "Toy" and "Baseball" antique collecting angles to near-perfection via its 19th century origin, continued mechanical use, and three period-like baseball figures. Arguably dubbed the finest and most creative of Bowen's designs, it has withstood the test of time via its fine aesthetics and remarkable working condition!

MIN BID $1,000