This outstanding, original Cast Iron Mechanical Bank measures approx. 6 5/8" tall and 10 1/2" by 3 3/4" at the base. The William Tell Bank was patented in 1896 by Russell Frisbie and manufactured by J & E. Stevens for a number of years thereafter. It was one of Stevens most popular Mechanical Banks as it is a very attractive bank with excellent action and subject matter. Though certainly not the rarest of Cast Iron Mechanical Banks, the William Tell Bank is popular with collectors today for the same reasons that it was popular with children and adults alike when it was originally marketed.

    The Bank features the figure of William Tell pointing a rifle shaped weapon at an apple on the head of a little boy who stands in front of a castle tower. To operate, the odd shaped piece on the top of the gun barrel is pressed back until it snaps into position. This "loading" of the mechanism also causes the head of William Tell to lower into a position that makes it appear he is taking aim at the apple. A coin is placed on top of the barrel just in front of the odd shaped piece. The boy’s right arm is pulled down bringing the apple to the top of his head. When the right foot of William Tell is pressed down he fires the gun and the coin shoots forward knocking the apple from the boy’s head as he raises his right arm. The coin is deposited inside the castle tower ringing a bell and the head of William Tell falls backwards. The mechanism here is in excellent working condition.

    This outstanding, original "William Tell” Mechanical Bank is in very good condition with no cracks, chips, breaks, repairs or physical damage of any kind. The Bank retains approx. 70% of its original surface paint and that paint is 100% original – the surface has never been repainted, restored, touched up or altered in any way. The mechanism is in excellent, working condition although the Bank lacks its original trap cover. Please see the numerous scans below for a good indication of the form and the condition of the surface paint on this original William Tell Cast Iron Mechanical Bank.

    A wonderful and highly collectible, ca1900 J & E Stevens, "William Tell” Cast Iron Mechanical Bank in original surface paint and a fantastic addition to any collection!!!

    Please Note: The Mechanical Bank offered here is unconditionally guaranteed authentic, original and of the period - manufactured by J & E Stevens around the turn of the 20th century. The Bank is backed by our “no questions asked” return policy and lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

    Be sure to check out this seller’s other auctions for a number of other 19th and early 20th century Toys and Banks which are also being offered for sale this week on eBay!!