This is an authentic, original antique cast iron "Army Safe" still penny bank manufactured by the renowned Kenton Toy Company (Kenton Hardware Co.) of Kenton, Ohio. This piece is designated as No. 45 in the historic Kenton Toy Catalog and was produced starting in 1911 through the early 1920s. 

This early version features the coin deposit slot directly on the top plate, accented by a beautiful embossed stylized heart and scroll motif. The front face boldly displays the raised-letter text "ARMY SAFE" framing an operating single-dial combination lock. The side panels feature an elegant embossed neoclassical urn/floral design. The bottom plate is highly detailed with structural ventilation perforations and retains its original central single-screw assembly. 

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Kenton Toy Company / Kenton Hardware Co. (Ohio, USA)
• Model: No. 45 Army Safe (Early Top-Slot Variant)
• Age: Circa 1911–1920s
• Material: Heavy Cast Iron
• Dimensions: Approximately 4.25" Height x 2.75" Width x 2.5" Depth
• Weight: 14.1 oz (Heavy, dense casting characteristic of early era production)

Reference

This model series and manufacturer are documented in standard toy reference literature:

• Book Title: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks
• Author: Andy Moore
• Classification: Section covering American Cast Iron Safe Banks / Kenton Hardware Co. Still Banks.

Condition Report

• Overall: Very good antique condition with superb structural integrity. No cracks, breaks, chips, or repairs to the cast iron panels.
• Surface: Showcases a beautiful, dry, uncleaned original surface finish with a golden-bronze colored wash and an authentic historical patina. Minor, expected scattered surface oxidation/rust spots are present consistent with a century of age—retaining the highly prized dry original surface.
• Mechanism: The front combination dial turns cleanly, but combo is not known.
• Fasteners: Retains its original threaded iron screw and wide iron flat washer on the base plate.

Authenticity Assessment

This piece passes all key authenticity markers for an early 20th-century Kenton casting. First, the weight and density profile (14.1 oz) aligns precisely with original period iron alloys, rather than lightweight modern pot metals. Second, the seam lines are tight and flush across all interconnected panels with standard minimal hand-filed tooling marks from the factory foundry. Third, the interior textures visible through the bottom perforations show the classic granular, slightly rough surface texture characteristic of original sand-casting techniques. Finally, the central screw threads and accompanying oversized flat washer match the standard factory hardware used by Kenton during the 1910s timeline.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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