Presented for your consideration, a Vintage Hubley Honey Bear Cast Iron Still Bank — Front Half Only. Uncertain: Original or Reproduction?

Hubley

Founded in 1894 by John Hubley in Lancaster, Pennnsylvania, as The Hubley Manufacturing Company the company persisted forcan astonishing 76 years. Hubley introduced its first cast iron toys in 1909 with themes such as still and mechanical banks, hose-drawn vehicles, different breeds of dogs, tractors, steam shovels and guns. The 1930’s saw a shift to zinc alloy toys and various household items. In 1965 the company was acquired by the Lido Toy Company which struggled to keep apace with inexpensive imports and consumer shifts without avail and having to shut its doors permanently in the mid 1970’s.

Listing Description

From Hubley’s line of cast iron still banks from the 1930’s comes “Honey Bear,” a bear standing upright grasping a pot of honey. A still and non-mechanical cast iron bank these were cast in two pieces a front and back and held together by a bolt. A slot above the honeypot would allow one to slip coins or paper currency through. This listing is for the front half ONLY. As found at a New York estate sale of a collector with eclectic tastes that ranged from the proverbial “sublime to the ridiculous.” I am not an expert in cast iron still banks and uncertain if this piece is of the original 1930’s production or a reproduction. The painted surfaces exhibit wear and fading as one would expect from an older cast iron object. There are bits of rust here and there as well. The casting faithfully captures beautiful details including the bear’s thick swirling coat and its visage. Perfect match if one possesses the back portion or simply a nice example of a cast iron animal to decorate a shelf or wherever. Preowned yet in good condition, no damages nor repairs. Expect wear commensurate with age and usage but nothing that significantly detracts from either the aesthetics or display of this charming piece. ***Once again this listing is for only the front half of the bank and incomplete.

Approximate measurements; 6 1/2” in height x 3 1/2” in width x 2” in depth.

Smoke and pet-free home. Will of course be very carefully parceled to ensure safe transit to its destination.