Offered is a vintage/antique cast iron still coin bank manufactured by the Hubley Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, produced between circa 1930 and 1938.
The bank depicts a dapper anthropomorphic duck wearing a black top hat and holding an umbrella under his arm, standing atop a bright red wash tub/barrel base. The front of the tub features embossed lettering reading "SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY". The coin slot is located on the duck's back near the tail.
This piece features two-piece cast iron construction joined by a single flat-head central screw. The underside shows original interior casting surfaces, seam lines, and hand-written inventory numbers from a previous collection.
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Maker: Hubley Manufacturing Co., Lancaster, PA
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Design/Model: "Duck on Tub" / "Save For A Rainy Day"
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Era / Age: Circa 1930–1938 (Depression Era)
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Material: Heavy Cast Iron
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Dimensions: Approximately 5.25" Height x 3.15" Base Diameter
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Weight: 1 lb 4.1 oz
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Paint Retention: Approximately 70%–75% Original Cold Paint
Reference
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Book Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks
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Authors: Andy and Susan Moore
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Page & Catalog Number: Page 91, Bank #616
Authenticity Assessment
Examination of the seam joining, surface texture, and paint layer confirms this piece is an authentic original Hubley production from the 1930s rather than a modern reproduction:
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Seams & Casting: The seam lines along the body and head are properly aligned and show slight hand-fettling appropriate for 1930s foundry work. The inner casting cavity shows minor scale and rough texture typical of original sand-casting.
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Paint & Oxidation: The paint exhibits authentic age-appropriate micro-chipping, paint loss, and natural oxidation along high-contact edges (top hat rim, bill tip, umbrella handle, tub rim) without synthetic artificial distressing. The red base paint shows correct cold-paint adhesion and aging over the raw iron.
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Hardware: The central screw is a period-correct slotted iron fastener that sits properly counter-sunk within the casting recessed housing.
Condition Report
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Overall Condition: Good to Very Good (G-VG) vintage condition with honest original paint wear.
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Paint Condition & Retention: Retains vast majority of original factory cold-painted finish. Moderate paint loss and chipping on the top hat brim, beak tip, wing edges, umbrella, and along the raised ribs and bottom edge of the red barrel base.
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Structure: Complete and sound; no cracks, chips, repairs, or re-welds in the iron noticed.
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Hardware: Original single slot-head assembly screw intact and holds the halves firmly.
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Bottom / Base: Displays historical collection/inventory markings hand-inscribed in pen on the underside.
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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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