This is an exceptional, completely original late 19th-century American cast iron still safe bank, structurally complete with its dual interior drawer compartments. Titled "SECURITY SAFE DEPOSIT" in prominent embossed lettering across the front framework, this architectural still bank represents the pinnacle of Victorian-era novelty savings design.

Key Features & Internal Architecture

• Front Facade: The front operable door features highly detailed cast relief corners with stylized floral/leaf sprays and an embossed clock-style numeric border (1 through 12) surrounding a triple-tier brass alphabet/combination dial.

• Interiors: Opening the heavy cast iron door reveals an interior sheet-metal shelf assembly housing two independent, slide-out storage drawers finished in black paint with brass ring-pull hardware.

• Side & Top Panels: The side panels display an elegant, deeply recessed four-quadrant floral vine motif. The top panel is molded with geometric gothic-cross tiles and incorporates a wide coin drop slot.

• Base Markings: The underside base plate features crisp cast foundry production identifiers: mold number "400" alongside historical patent dates "Pat Feb 15 '81" and "Pat Mar '87".

Material & Craftsmanship

Built completely from heavy-gauge American cast iron joined with internal interlocking tabs, slotted screws, and peened rods. The item weighs a substantial 4 lbs 10 oz, emphasizing the rugged manufacturing standards of late-Victorian industrial foundries.

Age & Origin

• Origin: United States

• Era: Late 19th Century (Circa 1887)

Condition Report

• Surface: Excellent antique condition. The safe boasts an entirely untouched, original dark japanned enamel finish with golden-bronze polychrome accents highlighted along the floral reliefs. It features a genuine, honest age-patina with minor oxidized surface scaling, tiny paint flecks, and light high-point wear consistent with a century of handling.

• Mechanics: The heavy door hinge pins remain perfectly firm and unbent. Internal drawer tracks are completely stable and intact.

• Completeness: Exceptionally rare survival rate, featuring both original interior drawers and original brass ring pulls.

Authenticity Assessment

1. Casting Texture & Seams: The cast iron exhibits a smooth, tight, micro-pitted surface texture indicative of old-world green-sand molding practices. Modern reproductions typically suffer from rough, pebble-textured surfaces and thick, uneven casting seams. The seams here are beautifully flush and hand-filed.

2. Hardware & Fasteners: The internal lock mechanism housing and base components are secured with period-correct, irregular single-slot iron machine screws showing authentic oxidation, rather than modern zinc-plated or Phillips-head screws.

3. Lettering and Crispness: The molded registration markings on the bottom ("400" and patent dates) are perfectly legible, sharp, and narrow. Modern recasts from old banks universally show soft, rounded, "mushy" lettering due to mold shrinkage.

4. Patina: The wear on the black japanning reveals a slow, natural brown oxidation underneath rather than chemically forced artificial rusting.

Reference

For promotional or collection documentation, this family of safe configurations can be cross-referenced with standard safe bank reference literature:

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

• Author: Andy Moore

• Page Reference: Page 128 / Safe Banks Section (Note: Safe variations containing distinct embossed headers such as "Security Safe Deposit" utilizing the '81 and '87 patent-locking designs are comprehensively categorized within the architectural safe plates of this text).

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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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