An exceptional, 1930s American-made tin lithograph "Benjamin Franklin Thrift Bank" manufactured by Louis Marx & Co. of New York, N.Y. Designed in the classic cash-register shape, this mechanical register bank features vibrant graphic lithography depicting Benjamin Franklin on one side panel alongside his famous quote: "THE SMALL SAVING IS THE MOTHER OF THRIFT."

The opposite side panel displays an architectural facade of the "Benjamin Franklin Bank" with two gentlemen in period coats and fedoras conversing in front, under a tab stating "DOOR OPENS AT $10.00". The front slope is decorated with ornate yellow Art Deco tendril scrollwork on a brown finish, framing the deposit mechanical windows (displaying Dollars and Cents) and coin slots for Dimes, Nickels, and Quarters. The rear panel carries the prominent Louis Marx & Co. cross logo, "AMERICAN MADE", patent number 1,816,347, and the 200 Fifth Ave, New York address.

• Manufacturer: Louis Marx & Co. (New York, N.Y.)

• Model: Benjamin Franklin Thrift Bank (Register Type, Patent No. 1,816,347 granted August 4, 1931)

• Origin: USA

• Era / Age: Circa 1931–1938 (Depression Era)

• Material: Lithographed Sheet Tin / Metal, Steel Tab Fasteners

• Dimensions: 4.0 in W × 2.3 in D × 4.0 in H

• Weight: 10.0 oz

Condition Report

• Lithography & Paint: Remarkably vibrant colors (red, yellow, black, brown) retaining bright original sheen. Minor edge wear and tiny paint flecks around the seam margins, corners, and base edges consistent with handling and age.

• Mechanical Functionality: Coin lever is operational. Front windows show original underlying numbered register wheels in clean condition.

• Structural Integrity: Frame, tabs, and base plate are square and secure without structural bends or heavy dents. Original factory metal finish remains untreated and untouched.

Authenticity Assessment

This piece displays all hallmark authentication factors of genuine 1930s Louis Marx & Co. lithographed tinware.

Reference

• Book Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks

• Authors: Andy Moore and Susan Moore

• Page / Reference: Chapter 8: Tin Lithographed Register Banks (Reference section covering Louis Marx & Co. Mechanical Thrift Banks, pp. 142–148).

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