{"product_id":"vintage-1930s-chicago-thrift-co-telescoping-pocket-coin-bank-millikin-national-bank-decatur-il-advertising-patented","title":"Vintage 1930s Chicago Thrift Co Telescoping Pocket Coin Bank Millikin National Bank Decatur IL Advertising Patented","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an authentic, highly collectible vintage pre-WWII advertising pocket coin bank manufactured by the renowned Chicago Thrift Co. of Chicago, Illinois. This clever, miniature piece of financial history was distributed as a promotional premium by The Millikin National Bank of Decatur, Illinois.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe top cap features a beautifully preserved, vibrant red, blue, and gold lithographed celluloid insert depicting a woman saving money alongside the classic Depression-era motivational slogan, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Save More Have More.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The bank utilizes an ingenious telescoping mechanism: when empty, it sits compactly at a pocket-friendly 1.5 inches closed, and expands dynamically up to 3 inches fully extended as coins are stacked inside. The coin slot is seamlessly revealed on the side of the upper barrel segment when extended, designed to securely store dimes or small change.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe solid brass baseplate is clearly stamped with the manufacturer's hallmark and historical patent markings: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“CHICAGO THRIFT CO. CHICAGO PATENTED 117035”\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\u003eManufacturer: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChicago Thrift Co., Chicago, Illinois\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\u003eAdvertising Institution: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Millikin National Bank (Decatur, Illinois)\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 body, stamped brass base, lithographed celluloid top insert\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\u003e1.5\" Height (Closed) \/ 3\" Height (Fully Extended) x 0.85\" 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\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnited States (Chicago, IL \/ Decatur, IL)\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\u003eAge: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCirca 1939 (Based on U.S. Design Patent D117,035 granted to the Chicago Thrift Company in October 1939 for this specific compact telescoping bank configuration).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMechanical: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent functional condition. The telescoping segments pull out smoothly, hold their alignment properly, and lock cleanly back into the compressed pocket position.\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\u003eSurface\/Patina: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShows a beautifully honest, uncleaned vintage patina. The original nickel plating retains strong reflective properties with minor surface friction wear, microscopic pinpoint pitting, and fine handling scratches consistent with a piece that was carried in a pocket or stored in a drawer for decades.\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\u003eLithograph Insert: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe celluloid advertising insert on top is in exceptional condition, boasting bold color registration and crisp text. There is only a trace bit of minor age-toning around the very edge ring, but no major cracks, deep scratches, or fading.\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\u003eLock Mechanism: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe baseplate keyway remains unmolested and is not pried or bent (no key included, which is typical for these promotional premiums as the keys were traditionally retained by the bank teller to encourage savings habits).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReference\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a historical guide to promotional premiums and architectural\/still banks of this era, a similar class of commercial financial premiums is documented in:\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\u003cli dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAndy 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\u003eReference Context: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStamped metal, pocket-sized, and institutional promotional advertising still banks of the early-to-mid 20th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity Assessment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"docs-internal-guid-e3247964-7fff-7e6a-4fee-29367bec36b4\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis piece is deemed to be authentic and is a true period casting and assembly by the Chicago Thrift Co. The primary authenticity markers are perfectly met: the base features sharp, factory-die stamped typography rather than a soft modern reproduction casting. The internal telescoping columns show correct concentric manufacturing tolerances and expected metal oxidation gradients between the shielded sections. Furthermore, the top lithograph displays the correct fine-line composition and material aging characteristic of authentic 1930s celluloid inserts rather than modern laser printing or vinyl stickers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\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":44281809174571,"sku":"1140","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0614\/5379\/5371\/files\/20260624_012935.jpg?v=1783046851","url":"https:\/\/thelightandlegacy.com\/products\/vintage-1930s-chicago-thrift-co-telescoping-pocket-coin-bank-millikin-national-bank-decatur-il-advertising-patented","provider":"Light and Legacy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}