This has been identified as an early 20th-century cast iron "Angel Safe" still bank, manufactured by the Kenton Hardware Manufacturing Company of Kenton, Ohio, circa 1911.

A beautifully detailed example of American toy history, this safe features a prominent embossed guardian angel/cherub on the top panel, framed by decorative foliate accents. The front door displays an intricate relief scene of a young boy standing alongside his dog, set against a textured stippled background. The safe is equipped with its original, central nickel-plated single-dial combination lock structure.

The piece features a dark, uncleaned, completely original as-found japanned/oxidized patina with classic highlights showing through. No modern paints, polishes, or aggressive cleaning agents have been applied, preserving its superb historical surface integrity for advanced collectors.

This piece was acquired directly from a dedicated toy and Americana catalog sale at the premier Marz auction house. It has been curated with a focus on historical authenticity, retaining its original, uncleaned integrity since its acquisition. 

Technical Specifications & Details

• Manufacturer: Kenton Hardware Mfg. Co.

• Origin: Kenton, Ohio, USA

• Circa/Age: 1911 (Pre-WWI)

• Material: Cast Iron (Safe body), Nickel-Plated Cast Iron/Zinc (Dial)

• Dimensions: Approximately 3.75" Height x 2.75" Width x 2.75" Depth

• Weight: Substantial, heavy-gauge cast iron construction typical of turn-of-the-century casting.

Condition Report

• Overall Condition: Very Good Antique Condition.

• Surface: Retains an excellent, untouched original dark finish with minor expected surface oxidation, pinpoint pitting, and wear consistent with 115+ years of shelf display and light handling.

• Structure: Completely stable. Seams are tight and uniform. No cracks, chips, welds, or structural repairs to the cast iron panels.

• Mechanism: The original combination dial spins freely. Please Note: The safe is being sold in the "as-found" locked or unlocked condition shown; the specific combination is unknown to the seller, which is highly common for these early Kenton safes.

Authenticity Assessment

This piece is a believed to be an authentic period original produced by Kenton Hardware in 1911. Close physical inspection reveals all primary hallmarks of early 20th-century American iron casting. The interior seam lines display expected casting flash and hand-filed edges, rather than the perfectly uniform machine cuts found on modern reproductions. The relief detailing—specifically the delicate wings of the angel and the features of the boy and dog—is crisp and well-defined, showing no signs of the muddy or blurred lines typical of secondary "re-cast" sand molds. Furthermore, the single slot-head screw assembly matches the standard period production hardware used by Kenton, and the metal shows genuine, deep-seated oxidation that cannot be easily replicated by chemical aging processes.

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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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