J. Barton Smith Co. Cast Iron “Boy on Trapeze” or “French’s Automatic Toy Bank” Mechanical Bank *SOLD*

J. Barton Smith Co. Cast Iron “Boy on Trapeze” or “French’s Automatic Toy Bank” Mechanical Bank

We have for you this cast iron “Boy on Trapeze” or “French’s Automatic Toy Bank” mechanical bank that was manufactured by J. Barton Smith Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  

J. Barton Smith made only a couple of banks this one and a vault style bank. This bank works by putting a coin in the boy’s hat which makes the boy tip forward to drop the coin in the base. The premise for this was that each different coin would make the boy spin a certain number of times based on the weight of the coin. For example, he was supposed to revolve once for a penny, twice for a nickel, three times for a quarter, and six times for a half dollar. This was based on the weight of the coins when this bank was made in the late 1800’s…so when the coins’ weight changed the revolutions changed and people tried to remedy this by bending the trapeze bar often breaking the bar or the posts that hold the bar. As such, this example has had both side supports fast welded back on. We also noticed a bit of touchup on the forehead, and a crack on the base where the screw has been over tightened. The boy does make different revolutions based on coin size and it is very amusing to watch him perform for his wages. The Japanning on this is Art Nuevo style base is beautiful and over all this is a pretty awesome bank.  

This piece is in very good all original condition. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 5” L x 5” W at the base and 9” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.         

A brief history of J. Barton Smith Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:        

We were not able to find much on J. Barton Smith Co., however, we do know that it was founded in 1842 and continued until 1890. In 1891, the company was purchased by Nicholson File Co. Items are often marked as J.B. Smith or JBS. They specialized in tools such as saws, files, pruners, and screw drivers. While they specialized in tools, it appears they dabbled a couple times in manufacturing mechanical/coin banks.