American Cast Iron Mechanical Bank "Speaking Dog" by Shepard Hardware

Live Auction

7 1/2" (19 cm.) l. 7 1.2"h. Arranged upon a maroon base with gilt edging and raised lettering "Speaking Dog" is a bench upon which is seated a bonneted girl who is about to pet the large seated dog at her side. When lever is released, her right arm tips the coin onto the bench seat for access to the interior bank, the dog's mouth opens and closes, and his tail wags. Structurally excellent, original finish albeit paint faded, coin door missing at base. American, early Shepard Hardware presentation of the popular bank with incised Jul 1 and Oct 20, 1885 markings on underside. Shepard Hardware, c.1885.