Antique Magician Mechanical Cast Iron Bank

This is a neat ‘Magician’ bank, designed by Charles A. Bailey, of Cobalt Connecticut and was manufactured by the J.&E. Stevens Company, of Cromwell, Connecticut. Bank was patent on January 2, 1901. When one places a coin under the magician’s top hat and presses the lever, the hat covers the coin, and the coin “magically disappears,” sliding down a cleverly designed (and hard to detect) chute. Upon the lever’s release, the magician raises his hat, revealing an empty table. What fun this bank’s action must have been for a young child! This bank measures 7″ wide by 3 3/4″ deep and is 8 1/4″ high.