This is a genuine early 20th-century "Universal" three-coin registering and adding bank. Produced by the Charles W. Shonk Company in Chicago, this bank features a sophisticated internal mechanism that tracks deposits of nickels, dimes, and quarters. The exterior is finished in a deep black/chocolate lithographed tin with elegant Art Nouveau gold-toned scrollwork and floral accents.

As noted in the original directions on the back, the bank was designed to automatically open its bottom door once the total reached ten dollars. The lever action is smooth and the internal, indicating the registering mechanism is functional.

• Manufacturer: Chas. W. Shonk Co., Chicago, U. S. A.

• Patent Date: September 19, 1905

• Material: Lithographed Tin / Sheet Metal

• Dimensions: Approx. 5" x 4" x 5.25"

• Weight: 1 lb 12 oz

Condition Report

• Mechanical: The lever pulls down smoothly and the internal "bell" rings upon operation. The register windows are clear and functional.

• Cosmetic: Shows a beautiful, honest "dry" original surface with appropriate age-related wear, minor paint loss, and light oxidation (patina) consistent with a 120-year-old toy.

• Completeness: Missing the bottom trap/door. As per the mechanical design, these doors often released when the bank reached its $10 capacity and were frequently misplaced over the decades.

Authenticity Assessment: This piece displays all the hallmarks of an authentic Chas. W. Shonk production. The lithography shows the correct "fine-line" detail in the gold scrollwork that modern reproductions lack. The patent date and manufacturer's stamp on the rear are crisp and integrated into the original litho layer, not stamped post-production. The weight (nearly 2 lbs) and the specific "ring" of the internal mechanism are consistent with the heavy-gauge tin and internal brass/steel components used in the 1905-1910 period.

Reference

The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still and Mechanical Banks by Andy and Susan Moore, page 138 (Reference to Registering Banks/Shonk Co. models).

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