The Richard C. Stevens Collection May 22, 2010 - RSL Auction ...

Lot 217 Boy Robbing the Bird’s Nest Bank
Made by the J. & E. Stevens Company
Cromwell, Connecticut – Circa 1906
This bank, perhaps better than any other, exemplifi es how mechanical
banks convey a “sense of narrative” because of the way in which they are
designed and presented. An inquisitive boy has come upon a bird’s nest
ensconced in the low-lying branch of a tree. Curious, he tosses his hat
on the ground and shimmies up some berry-laden vines and begins to
edge his way out on the branch. At the same time, Papa and Mama
bird are returning to defend their unborn young. A catastrophe ensues.
To operate the bank, place the tree limb in the upright position
and rest a coin in the aperture at the base of the tree.
When the silver lever on the left is pushed down, the tree
limb appears to break, knocking the coin into the bank.
Material: Cast Iron
Provenance: Perelman Toy Museum
Condition: Near Mint and Bright
A truly stunning example
Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000
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