This is an exceptional, original cast iron "Radio Bank" manufactured by the renowned Kenton Hardware Co. of Kenton, Ohio during the golden age of American cast iron toy production. Patterned directly after the early multi-dial tabletop tube radios of the late 1920s and early 1930s, this still bank features three rotating faux tuning dials set against an embossed architectural faceplate.

The body of the bank is structurally complete with a top coin slot and a heavy perforated grid floor designed for ventilation simulation. The functional front door swings open via an internal triple-pin latch mechanism connected to the front dials. The piece is secured together by its original single heavy-threaded center iron rod extending from the top panel down through the base plate.

• Item Type: Still Bank / Coin Bank 
• Theme/Shape: Early Cabinet Tabletop Radio 
• Manufacturer: Kenton Hardware Co. (Kenton Toys) 
• Origin: Kenton, Ohio, USA
• Era/Age: Circa 1927–1932 
• Material: Cast Iron 
• Finish: Original red painted case with a gold-toned/nickel-plated dial faceplate 
• Dimensions: Approximately 4.5" x 3.25" x 2.75" 
• Weight: 1 lb 2.4 oz

Literature & Reference Source: This classic design is documented in the definitive guide for still bank collectors:

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

• Authors: Andy and Susan Moore

• Page Number: Page 101 (Catalog reference #820 / #833)

Condition Report: The bank is in Very Good Plus - Excellent, untouched antique condition with no cracks, breaks, chips, or structural repairs. It retains a high percentage of its beautiful, original red surface finish showing a highly desirable authentic fine-line age crazing/alligatoring to the paint layer. The original gold-toned wash on the front plate and corner pilasters exhibits light, honest wear and an undisturbed historical patina. The internal mechanism is functional and the single connecting rod is entirely original.

AUTHENTICITY ASSESSMENT

• Casting Integrity: The interior and exterior surfaces show a granular texture characteristic of early 20th-century sand-mold castings. The mold seams are tight, flush, and properly filed by the foundry workshop without modern grinding marks.

• Markings & Text: The manufacturer lettering "KENTON TOYS KENTON OHIO" is crisp, correctly integrated into the casting bed, and displays soft, rounded edges from period wear rather than the harsh, blocky profiles seen on modern recast counterfeits.

• Surface and Hardware: The paint exhibits a true oxidized, organic micro-crackle that cannot be replicated artificially. The single slotted steel tie-rod assembly features correct period thread pitch and historical rust scaling consistent with the rest of the interior cavity.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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