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Lot 382:
A.C. Williams and Hubley, Collection of Four Cast Metal Still Banks, Cast Iron and White Metal, Late 19th to Mid-20th Century
Description
This lot comprises a collection of four authentic antique and vintage still banks, primarily manufactured from cast iron. The centrepiece is a Standing Bear featuring a detailed fur texture and a golden-tan finish, a design frequently attributed to A.C. Williams. The collection also includes a stylised Small Pig with a smooth black finish and a figural Dutch Girl in traditional folk dress, decorated with a multi-colour hand-painted palette of yellow, red, and teal. The final piece is a rectangular chest bank with an intricate wicker or basketweave texture, likely produced from silver-plated cast iron or white metal. As still banks, these items do not possess the moving parts found in mechanical banks; instead, they feature fixed coin slots on the upper backs or lids. The two-piece assembly and casting style are characteristic of established American foundries of the era. Standing Bear height approximately 6 inches.
Condition report:
All four banks appear to retain their original painted finishes with no evidence of restoration or overpainting. The Standing Bear and Small Pig are in good condition, displaying an aged patina and minor surface wear consistent with age. The Dutch Girl shows more pronounced signs of use, with moderate paint chipping and loss, particularly on the head and the base of the skirt. The basket bank exhibits surface oxidation and tarnish typical for its metallic finish. All pieces are structurally sound with no cracks or missing parts.
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