A rare pre-war Di Bro pirate treasure chest tinplate toy bank, made in England.

This colourful lithographed tinplate piece is marked “Di Bro Regd” and “Made in England”, and features striking pirate themed artwork including skull and crossbones, pirate portrait, cutlass and sailing ship panels.

Di Bro (Dickinson Brothers) operated from Litherland, Liverpool, producing novelty tin toys and money boxes during the early-mid 20th century. Items from smaller British tinplate makers are increasingly collected alongside those from larger firms such as Meccano.

The chest is constructed from lithographed tinplate and includes:
wide coin / note slot in the lid
• hinged base door
• working original lock mechanism
• period barrel key present
• curved steel carry handles at both ends

From the lithography style, construction and lock type, this example most likely dates circa late 1930s (pre-war).

Condition is very good for age, with strong original colour and only light wear consistent with a vintage tinplate toy approaching 90 years old. The lock functions correctly and the key is included — these are often missing on surviving examples.