{"product_id":"pair-of-antique-1891-pocket-dime-register-banks-one-little-gem-bank-ny-patent-one-be-thrifty-variant-holds-5-00-each","title":"Pair of Antique 1891 Pocket Dime Register Banks – One \"Little Gem Bank\" NY Patent \u0026 One \"Be Thrifty\" Variant – Holds $5.00 Each","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis listing is for a fascinating, companion pair of genuine antique 19th-century metal pocket dime recording\/register banks. While identical in their core function and $5.00 capacity, this pair represents two distinct historical variations of the same classic 1891 design, making them an excellent study for collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth banks feature dual vertical rows of viewing perforations alongside stamped numerical graduations running from 100 to 500 cents (tracking up to 50 dimes). The internal mechanism advances as coins are inserted through the top slot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Two Distinct Variants Included:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \"Little Gem\" Patent Bank: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStanding at approximately 2.6\" tall, this bank features a reinforced flared collar base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It is clearly stamped o\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en the body: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLITTLE GEM BANK NEW YORK PAT'D APL 14 1891\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \"Be Thrifty\" Promotional Bank: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStanding at approximately 2.5\" tall, this variant features a straight, flush base. The face of the cylinder omits the manufacturer name and is instead struck with the iconic motivational slogan: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBE THRIFTY SAVE A DIME DAILY\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth caps are securely fitted with their original central adjusting screws.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModels Included: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(1) Little Gem Bank variant, (1) \"Be Thrifty\" slogan variant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew York, USA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePatented Date: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApril 14, 1891\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNickel-Plated Brass \/ Steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApprox. 2.5\" H and 2.6\" H x 0.8\" Diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTotal Capacity: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach holds up to $5.00 in U.S. Dimes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCondition\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe banks are in excellent antique condition with a highly desirable, untouched historical surface. The stamped lettering, patent marks, and thrift slogans remain remarkably crisp and legible. The original nickel plating exhibits a beautiful, uniform, dry aged patina with honest handling wear and subtle localized oxidation consistent with late Victorian pocket use. No major dents or deep structural issues are present. The bases are completely intact; the \"Be Thrifty\" variant retains a vintage paper label fragment on the underside\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity Assessment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth pieces are verified as authentic late Victorian period castings. The \"Little Gem\" text features the correct, crisp serifed stampings rather than the muddy, soft lettering indicative of modern recast reproductions. The seams on both tubes are tightly rolled and uniform. The honest, natural pocket wear on the high points, combined with the genuine oxidized residue nestled deep inside the stamped lettering across both variations, confirms well over a century of authentic aging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-17e9a5eb-7fff-88a4-94de-95fe207bd601\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBook Title: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Penny Bank Book: Collecting Still Banks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor: Andy Moore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePage Reference: Page 118 (Section: Metal Pocket and Registering Still Banks)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShipping calculated by USPS\/UPS\/FedEx based on your ZIP code.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eItem Description and Condition Disclaimer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAll 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eCustomer Service Commitment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: Comic Sans MS; font-size: large;\"\u003eWe truly value our customers and prioritize building lasting relationships through exceptional service. If you'd like additional photos or have questions about an item, we're more than happy to provide them promptly upon request. In the event of any concerns after purchase, please reach out to us as soon as possible--certainly before submitting feedback--so we can work together to resolve the matter swiftly and fairly. Our utmost focus is on customer satisfaction, and we'll do everything in our power to ensure every transaction is smooth, transparent, and positive for you.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Light and Legacy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44317503324203,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260624_014215.jpg?v=1783387995","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/pair-of-antique-1891-pocket-dime-register-banks-one-little-gem-bank-ny-patent-one-be-thrifty-variant-holds-5-00-each","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}