This exceptional antique Art Nouveau tin lithography mechanical coin bank is titled the "Commonwealth Three Coin Registering and Savings Bank", manufactured by Shonk Works (American Can Co.) in Maywood, Illinois.

Featuring stunning, highly detailed Art Nouveau organic botanical scrollwork, floral sinuous vines, and stylized lotus motifs in vibrant shades of sage, olive green, cream, and yellow, this piece stands out as both an early mechanical coin bank and an iconic piece of early 20th-century American lithographed metal artwork.

The bank features a top slotted coin chute with a pull-down operating lever that registers nickels, dimes, and quarters. On the front panel, two display windows track accumulated savings, while a fully printed back panel outlines complete operational instructions. The graphics retain crisp typography, featuring double patent dates of Sept. 19, 1905 and March 9, 1915 alongside the manufacturer's mark.

• Manufacturer: Shonk Works / American Can Co., Maywood, Illinois

• Design Period: Circa 1915 (Art Nouveau Era)

• Mechanism: 3-Coin Registering Savings Bank (Nickels, Dimes, Quarters)

• Dimensions: Approx. 5.2" Wide x 4" Deep x 5.25" High

• Weight: 1 lb 13.1 oz

Origin & Age

• Origin: Maywood, Illinois, USA

• Age: Circa 1915–1920 (Bearing patent dates Sept. 19, 1905 & Mar. 9, 1915)

Material

Lithographed Sheet Steel / Tinplate with Mechanical Interior Mechanism.

Condition Report

• Lithography & Display Surface: Outstanding frontal and side display condition with vibrant color preservation. Shows light, honest age-appropriate wear including mild edge scuffing, tiny isolated scratches, minor surface oxidation along base seams, and a small area of light residue/surface friction on the top panel near the coin slot.

• Structure & Underside Trap Door: The main tin body is structurally sound with tight rolled edges. Note: The original tin trap door on the underside is missing, leaving the rectangular coin chamber open. The bottom metal base shows expected paint scratching, residue, and light surface oxidation.

• Mechanism: The top operating lever slides smoothly through the vertical channel. Internal counter mechanism moves freely without binding though it hasn't been tested with coins.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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