Designers: Louis Keyser & Alfred C. Rex
Manufacturer: Keyser & Rex, Frankford, Pennsylvania Material: Cast iron with original paint
Introduced around 1883, the Lion and Monkeys mechanical bank reflects the inventive spirit of Louis Keyser and Alfred C. Rex, whose Philadelphia‑area firm became known for some of the most imaginative and mechanically sophisticated banks of the late 19th century. Activated by a lever, the playful scene brings the monkeys to life as they tease the lion, combining humor, motion, and fine casting detail in a way that set Keyser & Rex apart from their competitors.
Celebrated for its lively action and sculptural charm, the bank remains one of the company’s most
iconic creations—an enduring example of Victorian‑era ingenuity in both toy design and mechanical artistry.
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