Offered here is an exceptional, highly collectible late 19th-century American cast iron "Two Panel Door" toy safe still bank (Large variant). Produced during the golden era of American cast iron toy manufacturing in the 1880s, this architectural-style safe bank features crisp, geometric paneling highlighted by its striking and scarce original two-tone color scheme: a vibrant, high-contrast bright orange insert paneling set against deep, black japanned structural borders.

The piece exhibits classic period craftsmanship, constructed with separate cast interlocking plates secured internally by a single central screw design. A vertical coin slot is located cleanly on the rear panel, surrounded by a natural aura of paint wear from decades of childhood use. The front face features a realistically cast faux-keyhole and turn-latch rivet. It stands proud on four elegant, integral bracket feet. This bank comes out of the notable Peirce Collection, providing it with an elite pedigree and highly desirable provenance for the serious collector.

Technical Specifics

• Material: Heavy-tooled sand-cast iron, steel assembly screw.

• Dimensions: Approximately 3.75" H x 2.75" W x 2.75" D

• Weight: 15.2 oz (0.95 lbs)

• Origin: United States (American)

• Era/Age: Late Victorian Era (Circa 1880s)

• Mechanism: Still bank (no moving mechanical elements), keyless coin safe.

• Provenance: Ex-Collection: The Peirce Collection

Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Very Good / Excellent Antique Condition ("As-Found").

• Surface Finish: Retains a high percentage of its original, genuine bright orange paint and black japanned accents. The surface shows an honest, highly desirable natural age patina with localized paint flecking, tiny chips, and mild surface oxidization commensurate with its 140+ year history.

• Structural Integrity: Completely structurally sound. No cracks, breaks, fractures, or stress lines to the cast iron panels.

• Hardware: Features its original single slotted iron screw on the base plate, uncleaned and showing identical age darkening to the surrounding casting.

• Restoration/Alterations: None. The piece is in 100% original, untouched, "as-found" condition. It has not been chemically cleaned, oiled, or clear-coated, fully preserving its historical surface integrity.

Authenticity Assessment

• Casting Quality: The base plate displays a tightly patterned, smooth-yet-pebbled sand texture typical of late-1800s American foundries. There are no modern casting flaws, thick flash lines, or structural blurring.

• Hardware & Fasteners: The central fastening screw is a correct period-style, hand-cut, single-slot machine screw showing slight imperfections and irregular thread wear. It sits perfectly recessed inside the molded base dish.

• Fit & Margins: The panels interlock with exact, tight seams. The front door inset margin is narrow and precise, a hallmark of high-quality original molds that recasts (which shrink during cooling) cannot replicate.

• Surface and Patina: The orange and black pigments display true structural micro-crazing and edge-wear oxidation under magnification. The exposed iron shows a rich, dark brown chocolate patina rather than the harsh, chemically induced grey/black rust found on artificial reproductions.

Reference: This specific safe bank model is fully documented and cataloged in the industry-standard reference manual for still bank collectors:

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

• Author: Andy Moore

• Page Reference: Page 104 (depending on specific edition plate layout).

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

We take great care in researching, identifying, and describing each antique item to the best of our ability, drawing on available resources and hands-on examination. However, as dedicated enthusiasts rather than professional appraisers or certified experts, we cannot offer guarantees on authenticity, age, origin, or precise valuation. We strongly recommend that buyers perform their own due diligence, including consulting reference materials or experts, and thoroughly examine the accompanying photographs. These images are an essential component of our listing and depict the item's actual condition, including any visible flaws, wear, or imperfections consistent with its antique nature. It is the buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and form their own assessment on condition, description and authenticity before purchasing. All items have signs of wear commensurate with age and usage. The lack of statement regarding condition does not imply that the item is in perfect condition or free from any and all defects. If you have any questions regarding the condition of the items, please ask and we will be more than happy to answer and/or provide additional photos as requested.

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