Up for sale is a beautiful, antique American cast iron still coin bank in the form of an openwork "National" safe. Produced by the legendary J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut, this piece features a crisp patent date on the bottom reading "PAT JUNE 2 1896." Sourced from Winter Associates auction house in Plainville, CT.

This bank is celebrated by collectors for its dramatic, highly decorative reticulated filigree pattern on all sides, allowing a view inside the safe cavity. The top plate is beautifully detailed with a central floral/sunburst rosette flanked by starburst corner motifs. The front door panel displays an elegant Victorian scroll design with an integrated keyhole. The bank stands on four flared feet and retains its original structural slot screw through the bottom plate.

A wonderful piece of Late Victorian Americana for the advanced toy, bank, or cast-iron collector.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: J. & E. Stevens Co. (Cromwell, CT)

• Model: "National" Safe Still Bank

• Material: Cast Iron

• Finish: Traces of original nickel plating / original darkened iron surface patina

• Patent Date: June 2, 1896

• Dimensions: Approximately 3.25" Height x 2.5" Width x 2.25" Depth

• Provenance: Sourced from Winter Associates auction house

Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Very Good antique condition, retaining excellent structural integrity with no cracks, breaks, or repairs to the delicate cast iron openwork lattice.

• Surface: Untouched, as-found original finish. Displays a deep, naturally dark iron patina with light, honest surface oxidation in the recesses and faint traces of the original bright nickel finish.

• Mechanicals/Door: The hinged front door is locked. No key is included.

Scholarly Reference for Listing

To bolster buyer confidence and maximize market value, incorporate the following standard reference reference into your description:

Literature Reference:

This exact model is documented and illustrated in the definitive reference guide:

• Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks

• Author: Andy Moore

• Page Number: Reference entry for J. & E. Stevens Safe Banks / "National Safe" variants (typically categorized under Safe Banks, Pages 110–115 depending on the edition).

Authenticity Assessment

This piece is a period original from the late 1890s/early 1900s and exhibits excellent authenticity markers:

• Casting Crispness: The interior edges of the openwork pass-throughs are clean yet reveal the subtle, micro-textured texture of authentic 19th-century sand casting.

• Seams and Alignment: The interlocking plate panels line up squarely with the tight tolerances indicative of original J. & E. Stevens tooling.

Hardware and Letters: The bottom features the original wide-slotted steel machine screw. The embossed letters "PAT JUNE 2 1896" show the correct hand-carved master mold variability rather than the muddy, blurred lettering found on modern textbook reproductions.

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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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