This is identified as an authentic mid-century specimen of "The General," Dwight D. Eisenhower, rendered as a commemorative coin bank. This heavy, white-metal casting features a rich "electro-plated" bronze finish, a signature aesthetic of the Banthrico company. The reverse features a high-quality green and gold enameled brass plaque for the Union Trust Company of Concord, N.H., making it a desirable piece for both presidential memorabilia collectors and New Hampshire regional historians.
The base retains its original steel trap, clearly stamped with the Banthrico, Inc. Chicago, U.S.A. hallmark. The casting is crisp, capturing Eisenhower’s likeness with significant detail, from the texture of his suit and tie to his characteristic expression.
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Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Manufacturer: Banthrico, Inc.
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Age: Circa 1950s–early 1960s
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Material: Slush-cast white metal (Antimonial Lead) with a copper/bronze-toned finish.
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Dimensions: Approx. 5" Height x 3.5" Width x 2.25" Depth
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Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a handsome, dry original surface. Minimal rubbing to the high points (nose and brow) consistent with age. The enamel on the bank plaque is exceptionally well-preserved with vibrant color. The bottom trap is present; no key is included (standard for these pieces as they were often opened at the bank).
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Authenticity Assessment
This piece is a believed to be an original Banthrico casting. Authenticity markers are consistent with mid-century production:
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Hallmark: The base plate features the correct sans-serif stamped "Banthrico Inc." lettering.
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Construction: The presence of the "parting line" (seam) visible in your side-profile photos is indicative of the two-part mold process used in Chicago.
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Hardware: The use of original flat-head screws to secure the base plate is correct for the era; later reproductions often use Phillips heads or rivets.
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Finish: The oxidation pattern and "orange peel" texture on the back are consistent with Banthrico's proprietary electroplating process.
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Reference
Book Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks Author: Andy Moore Reference: Page 162 (See section on "Advertising and Promotional Banks - Banthrico") Note: While Moore focuses on cast iron, his expanded editions cover the transition to white metal promotional banks like this Eisenhower model.
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