This outstanding Clown on Globe cast iron mechanical bank, produced around 1890 by the J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut, is one of the most visually striking and kinetically engaging mechanical banks of the late 19th century. As documented in Penny Lane: A History of Antique Mechanical Toy Banks, author Al Davidson notes that the bank is based on U.S. Patent No. 428,450, issued to James H. Bowen on May 20, 1890—the same patent used for the famed Girl Skipping Rope bank. Both banks share Bowen’s ingenious internal mechanism, celebrated for its smooth, animated motion.
This example features the scarce yellow base, a highly desirable variation, and retains its round Stevens coin trap, a detail often missing on surviving examples. Even more impressive is the bank’s exceptionally high percentage of original paint, with vibrant colors that remain crisp and untouched. The surface shows no touch‑ups, chips, cracks, or repairs, and the mechanical action functions flawlessly.
The Clown on Globe is widely regarded as one of the most unusual, graphically appealing, and mechanically sophisticated cast‑iron banks ever produced. Its whimsical design, bold color palette, and lively motion make it a standout piece in any advanced collection. Examples in this level of originality and condition are increasingly difficult to find, making this a truly superior specimen of one of America’s great mechanical banks.
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