Circa 1884, this scarce Mammy and Child mechanical bank—designed by Alfred C. Rex and manufactured by the Kyser & Rex Company of Frankford, Pennsylvania—is an exceptional example of one of the most sought‑after 19th‑century mechanical banks. Notably, it still retains its original spoon, a component that is often missing, broken, repaired, or replaced.
This charming bank operates in two ways:
A coin can be placed in the mother’s apron; pressing the lever causes the baby’s legs to lift, the spoon to move toward her mouth, and the mother to look down as the coin drops into the bank.
Alternatively, a coin can be “fed” directly into the child’s mouth without using the lever.
The piece is all original, including the spoon and coin trap, with no chips, cracks, or repairs. It does show a couple of small factory casting flaws on the child—a tiny hole in the dress and a spot beneath the lips—both inherent to the original casting process rather than later damage.
This is the desirable red dress variant, retaining approximately 85% of its original paint with no touch‑ups. Among mechanical banks, this is the only design that explores the intimate bond between mother and child, making it not only a mechanical curiosity but also one of the most compelling pieces of 19th‑century Black Americana ever produced.
A truly outstanding collector’s example.
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