The Teddy and the Bear Mechanical Bank with Gray Tree, produced circa 1907 by the legendary J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut, stands among the most iconic and historically important cast‑iron mechanical banks ever manufactured. Designed by master sculptor Charles A. Bailey, this bank commemorates President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous bear‑hunting episode, the same moment in American folklore that inspired the creation of the beloved “Teddy Bear.”
This example features the exceptionally scarce gray tree variation, a late‑production paint scheme believed to appear on only about one out of every fifty surviving banks. As documented in Bill Norman’s authoritative reference, The Bank Book: The Encyclopedia of Mechanical Bank Collecting, the gray‑tree version was produced in extremely limited numbers at the end of the manufacturing run—resulting in far fewer surviving examples today. Collectors widely regard it as one of the most desirable variations of any Roosevelt‑themed mechanical bank.
Crafted in heavy cast iron, the bank depicts Roosevelt raising his rifle as a bear pops from the hollow tree when the lever is pressed. The mechanism on this example is fully functional, exhibiting tight, crisp action consistent with high‑grade originals.
This particular bank is distinguished by its remarkable state of preservation:
Approximately 95% original paint, an unusually high retention rate for this model
No chips, cracks, or repairs
Original coin trap present and intact
Excellent mechanical performance
Outstanding patriotic and political Americana appeal
The Teddy and the Bear bank remains one of the most celebrated pieces in the mechanical bank hobby, prized for its artistry, historical significance, and connection to early 20th‑century American culture. High‑grade gray‑tree examples rarely surface, making this a standout opportunity for advanced collectors seeking a museum‑quality specimen.
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