Lot # 46: 1880s J. & E. Stevens Dark Town Battery Functioning Cast-Iron Mechanical Bank

Several collecting categories are engaged with the presentation of this 1880s J. & E. Stevens Dark Town Battery mechanical bank. This engaging mechanical wonder appeals to collectors of baseball memorabilia, Black Americana, and of course, mechanical banks.

Reaching a height of 7-1/2", with a footprint of 10" x 2-3/4", this Victorian era treasure is both functional and highly appealing. Three figures are stationed above an elaborate coin reservoir, featuring the legend "Dark Town Battery" on the front, along with crossed bats and baseballs.

19th Century mechanical banks with three figures are unusual, as the norm was two-figure or single-figure types. This Dark Town bank is made all the more unusual by the fact that all three figures have moving parts. Featured are a pitcher and catcher forming the battery, and an opposing batter wearing a striped "Possums" jersey.

The magnificent design calls for a coin to be placed in the pitcher's right hand, which clamps down on the coin as the arm is pushed rearward. An operating peg located behind the catcher causes the pitcher to throw the coin when depressed. Simultaneously, the batter's arms raise up as his head turns to follow the pitch, while the catcher's head and hand also move up, and a trap door in his chest opens to accept the pitched coin, which falls into the base reservoir. A metal stopper is centered on the underside of the base, and can be turned to open for retrieval of the deposited coins.

The moving parts function as intended, with deference to slight hiccup that necessitates manual turning of the batter's head back to face the pitcher. Age-appropriate wear is relatively modest, and the paint still shows plenty of integrity. Overall display appeal is exceptional, presenting much better than most of the pieces of this type we have seen over the years.

The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot.