Artillery Bank Value Guide

The Artillery Bank is a premier example of late 19th-century American mechanical toys, first patented in 1892 by the J. & E. Stevens Company. It captivates collectors with its intricate action where a soldier 'fires' a coin into a fort, reflecting the era's fascination with military themes and kinetic savings tools.

What affects the value of Artillery Bank?

• Condition of the original paint is paramount, with vibrant, intact colors commanding the highest prices.
• Mechanical functionality and the presence of all original parts, including the cannon and soldier, significantly impact value.
• Rarity of specific color variations or early production runs can drive prices toward the $400 range.
• The presence of the original trap door on the bottom of the bank used for coin removal.

How to Identify Artillery Bank?

• Look for the original 1892 patent date often cast into the base of the iron structure.
• Examine the soldier's uniform and the fort's texture for the fine casting details characteristic of J. & E. Stevens production.
• Check for original multi-colored paint; authentic pieces show natural age-related wear rather than modern, uniform coatings.
• Verify the mechanical action: the coin should be propelled from the cannon into the fort slot when the lever is depressed.

History of Artillery Bank

Mechanical banks rose to popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, designed to encourage children to save money. The Artillery Bank is a notable example, first patented in 1892 by the J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut. It features a soldier who, upon a coin being placed and a lever pressed, 'fires' the coin into a fort-like structure. Original models are highly sought after by collectors for their intricate design and historical significance, reflecting the era's fascination with mechanical toys and military themes.