{"product_id":"antique-1891-magic-introduction-co-surplus-bank-pocket-dime-bank-nickel-plated-brass-pat-mch-31-91-new-york-rare-cylindrical-still-bank-1-75","title":"Antique 1891 Magic Introduction Co. \"Surplus Bank\" Pocket Dime Bank Nickel Plated Brass Pat. Mch. 31, 91 New York Rare Cylindrical Still Bank 1.75\"","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an exceptional, highly collectible late Victorian-era miniature pocket bank known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Surplus Bank.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Measuring approximately 1.75 inches tall, this mechanical\/still pocket bank features a clever, compact cylindrical body constructed from high-quality nickel-plated brass. The top surface displays a beautifully crisp, stippled background centered around an embossed numeral \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"1\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, denoting its primary function for saving individual dimes or small coins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker \u0026amp; Historical Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe body of the bank is deeply and elegantly stamped with the ornate script maker's mark:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Magic\" Trade Mark \/ Introduction Co New York \/ \"Surplus\" Bank \/ Pat. Mch. 31, 91\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \"Introduction Co\" references the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efamous \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMagic Introduction Company\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e of 321 Broadway, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew York, a highly sought-after novelty manufacturer of the late 19th century renowned for producing pocket lighters, magical novelties, and subminiature cameras (such as the Photoret).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eMechanical Operation: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bank operates on a threaded, knurled twist-off base. Coins are dropped via the horizontal slot at the upper edge of the cylinder, and the base remains securely locked or twisted depending on internal pressure or full capacity, designed to encourage consistent thrift.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBook Title:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Andy Moore \u0026amp; Susan Moore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePage Number Reference:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Page 104 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(Note: Similar miniature cylindrical pocket banks and Magic Introduction Co. novelties from the 1890–1895 era are well-cataloged within standard reference literature for American still banks, highlighting their intersection with Victorian coin-saving culture.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Condition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Excellent Antique Condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSurface:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The original nickel plating shows a magnificent, honest historical patina with soft handling wear and minor oxidation consistent with age. No aggressive chemical cleaning has been performed, preserving the dry, historic finish prized by seasoned collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStructural Integrity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The metal body is completely free of deep dents, splits, or compromised seams. The top coin slot is clean and unbent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMechanism:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The knurled base threads smoothly and pairs tightly with the upper cylindrical body.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: large;\"\u003eAuthenticity Assessment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-c8469b46-7fff-0b6b-1aa4-bbbcab9cd050\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis piece presents all the textbook authenticity markers of a late 19th-century Magic Introduction Company production. The lettering exhibits authentic Victorian-era font geometry with natural variation in the strike depth. Crucially, the crisp, fine stippling surrounding the numeral \"1\" on the lid \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eindicates a true period die-stamp rather than a soft modern reproduction cast. The knurled detailing on the base rim\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e exhibits genuine hand-machined crispness alongside typical, age-appropriate pocket wear on the high points.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping calculated by USPS\/UPS\/FedEx based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44281778896939,"sku":"1138","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260624_013701.jpg?v=1783045466","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/antique-1891-magic-introduction-co-surplus-bank-pocket-dime-bank-nickel-plated-brass-pat-mch-31-91-new-york-rare-cylindrical-still-bank-1-75","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}