This late Victorian cast iron still bank, known as the "Nickel Safe", was manufactured by the Kenton Hardware Company of Kenton, Ohio, featuring an integral raised patent mark dated June 1896.

The piece exhibits openwork fretwork / pierced geometric lattice design across all four sides and top panel. The front door is detailed with scrollwork and reads "SAFE" across the central scroll panel. The bottom base features a round twist-lock keyway / turn-latch mechanism with raised cast lettering reading "PAT. JUNE 1896" encircling the primary aperture.

• Manufacturer: Kenton Hardware Company (Kenton, Ohio)

• Design/Model: "Nickel Safe" Openwork Lattice Penny Bank

• Patent Date: June 1896

• Construction: Heavy sand-cast iron with original nickel-plated finish

• Dimensions: Approximately 3.3″ H × 2.5″ W × 2.2″ D

• Weight: 11.5 oz

Origin & Age

• Country of Origin: United States (Kenton, Ohio)

• Era/Period: Late Victorian / Gilded Age (Circa 1896–1905)

Material

Sand-Cast Iron with Original Factory Nickel Plating

Condition Assessment

• Surface/Finish: Retains significant portions of its original bright factory nickel finish, showing age-appropriate oxidation, light surface rust specks, and minor nickel loss, creating a genuine vintage patina.

• Structural Integrity: Cast iron body panels and door are fully intact with no breaks, cracks, welds, or repairs noticed.

• Mechanism & Fasteners: Original interior central tie-rod, keyway latch, and hinged door operate intact.

• Surface Preservation Policy: Preserved strictly in as-found, uncleaned condition with untouched original surfaces to preserve historical collector value.

Reference

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

• Authors: Andy and Susan Moore

• Catalog Reference: Section on Cast Iron Safe & Vault Still Banks (Referencing late 19th-century Kenton Hardware Co. openwork lattice safe bank models, Pat. 1896).

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