Exceptional all original, working, cast iron mechanical bank by J. & E. Stevens, ‘Dark Town Battery’. The bank works by placing one’s coin in the pitcher’s hand and bringing the arm back to a swinging position. Then when you depress the cast iron push down lever located behind the catcher, the pitcher throws the ball (the coin) towards the catcher and the coin drops down into the bottom compartment as the catcher’s breast plate opens to allow the coin to fall. The original paint is in very good condition. Notice on the bottom of the bank the information, ‘Patd Jan 17, 1889’, and also ‘Patd Feb. 2 1875’. Base measures 10″ x 2 3/4″ by 7 1/4″ high. Featured in ‘O’Brien’s Collecting Toys – 10th Edition’ book, on page 166.
