Up for sale is an exceptional pair of vintage British pre-decimal cylindrical pocket savings banks, intricately designed for the iconic silver sixpence coin. This lot includes two distinct variations of early 20th-century personal thrift history:

1. The "Magic Pocket Savings Bank": Features a brass top cap marked 40 / 6D. The nickel-plated cylindrical barrel has a vertical viewing slot with stamped numbering markers ($10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40$) allowing the user to watch their savings grow incrementally toward a full £1 sovereign value.

2. The "National Savings Certificates" Promotional Bank: Features a brass top cap marked 30 / 6D and a barrel embossed with "15/- BUY NATIONAL SAVINGS CERTIFICATES". This bank was specifically distributed as an incentive to help citizens accumulate exactly 15 shillings—the purchase price of a government savings certificate.

Both banks feature a classic mechanical mechanism where inserted coins depress a baseline or index down the column, acting as a structural pocket till.

Specifications

• Origin: United Kingdom (Great Britain)

• Age/Era: Circa 1915–1940s (WWI to WWII Era)

• Material: Nickel-plated steel/brass construction

• Dimensions: The taller bank stands slightly over 2" tall; the shorter bank sits just under 2" tall.

• Condition: Good vintage condition with an authentic, dry historical patina. The nickel plating shows uniform age-related oxidation, dulling, and minor pitting/surface wear consistent with pocket use. The brass caps retain excellent stamped lettering and crisp edges. Surfaces remain entirely uncleaned to preserve historical integrity.

Authenticity Assessment

These pieces exhibit all the correct authenticity markers for authentic British pre-decimal pocket tills. The stamped typography utilizes period-correct sans-serif and slab fonts typical of UK government and commercial metalwork from the early-to-mid 20th century. The natural oxidation of the nickel plating on the steel barrels, coupled with the genuine mellowing and superficial tarnish of the brass lids, cannot be cleanly replicated by modern chemical aging. The structural seams, clean rolled edges on the bases, and correct pre-decimal monetary notation firmly verify their period production status.

Reference

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

• Author: Andy Moore & Susan Moore

• Context: Pocket banks, cylindrical registers, and mechanical pocket tills of this classification are comprehensively documented under the small pocket still banks category (refer generally to sections detailing commercial register banks and coin-specific metal pocket canisters).

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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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