Offered here is an outstanding example of the Cast Iron Pelican Mechanical Bank, designed by John Girard and manufactured around 1878 by the famed J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut. Standing nearly 8 inches tall on a 5.5‑inch‑wide base, this visually striking bank features a highly detailed pelican gripping a comically rendered Middle Eastern gentleman in its beak—an imaginative and unmistakable design that has made this model one of the most memorable 19th‑century mechanical banks.
This example retains over 90% of its beautifully japanned original finish, with most wear limited to the figure and the sides of the base. The surface is rich, glossy, and honest, showing none of the repaint, repairs, or restoration so often seen on surviving examples. The casting remains crisp, and the mechanism functions properly, making this a truly collector‑grade specimen.
The Pelican Bank is considered one of the harder‑to‑find early Stevens mechanical banks, admired for both its sculptural quality and its whimsical storytelling. High‑condition originals rarely come to market, and this example—with its exceptional finish and strong mechanical integrity—stands among the finest of its type.
A superb opportunity to acquire a top‑tier 19th‑century cast‑iron mechanical bank with outstanding originality and visual appeal.
Comments