This is a substantial and highly ornate Victorian-era "still bank" manufactured by the premier name in American cast iron toys, the J. & E. Stevens Company. This "Treasure Safe" No. 45 is a "Key Combination" model, significantly more detailed than the smaller No. 40 or 42 versions.

• Design & Size: Standing at 5" tall and weighing over 2 lbs, this safe has a commanding "shelf presence." The front door features a stylized "TREASURE SAFE" logo surrounded by sharp diamond-point (diapered) casting. The top and sides are finished in a lush Victorian floral and scroll motif.

• The Bottom Markings: This specimen features the highly desirable "Full Bottom" marking, including the Aug 17, 1897 patent date and the Cromwell, Conn. U.S.A. manufacture location. This level of embossed detail is a hallmark of early, authentic production runs.

• Material: Heavy grey iron with remains of the original silver/nickel flash finish in the protected recessed areas.

Authenticity Assessment

This bank is a confirmed original late-19th-century casting. The key markers of its authenticity include:

1. Casting Clarity: The "Treasure Safe" text and the bottom manufacturer's info are crisp and raised. Reproductions (recasts) are notoriously "mushy" because the sand molds lose detail when copied from an original.

2. Surface Texture: The iron exhibits a fine-grained texture with an honest, dark oxidized patina. It lacks the oily, chemically-darkened "new" look of modern replicas.

3. Correct Weight: At 2 lbs 4.4 oz, it matches the density of period-correct Stevens iron, which is significantly heavier than the scrap-metal compositions used in modern reproductions.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Cast Iron

• Origin: Cromwell, Connecticut, USA

• Age: Circa 1897–1905

• Dimensions: 5" H x 3.75" W x 3.5" D

• Weight: 2 lbs 4.4 oz

• Condition: Excellent antique condition with a well-preserved original factory patina. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Note: No key included.

Reference

• Book: The Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks

• Author: Andy Moore

• Details: See page 134 (Safe Banks section). This model is a recognized Stevens cataloged item.

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Item Description and Condition Disclaimer

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