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Nicol & Co. ca. 1893 White City Time Lock Puzzle Safe No. 326 Chicago World’s Fair Cast Iron Still Penny Coin Bank *SOLD*

Nicol & Co. ca. 1893 White City Time Lock Puzzle Safe No. 326 Chicago World’s Fair Cast Iron Still Penny Coin Bank 

This “No. 326 White City Time Lock Puzzle Safe” is a still cast iron coin bank manufactured by Nicol & Company of Chicago, Illinois.

This Nicol & Co. White City Puzzle Safe No. 326 is a real treat. This piece features cast iron construction that has been painted in an “oxidized gunmetal” finish. This is in excellent condition even with the discoloration that comes with age.

This still bank was manufactured as a representation of the “burglar proof” safes used in bank vaults during that time period.  The “White City” is Chicago’s nickname at the time & manufactured to commemorate the 1893 Columbian Exposition World’s Fair held in Chicago, IL.

As such it features reliefs synonymous with the World’s Fair such as the big Ferris Wheel, various World’s Fair domed buildings, and a clock face on the front.

The patent date on the bottom shows year ‘4 instead of  1894.  Could this be part of the “puzzle”?  The clock face says “9:27”; is that a hint?

The coin slot is on the back and as the advertisement touts, “the money cannot be shaken out unless you know the secret.”

Despite this misdirection, you only need to unscrew the screw from the doors handle.

Our example of this still bank is in excellent all original condition with no restorations, repairs, breaks or touch ups. The bank shows the usual dust, patina, chips, scuffs, scratches, surface rust and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 2 ¾” L x 2 ¾” W x 4 ¼” H and 2 ½” deep. This would be a great addition to any cast iron bank or World’s Fair collection. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.

 

 

A brief history of Nicol & Company of Chicago, Illinois: 

We scoured our sources and the internet to find anything out about this clever company. However, there was sadly little information known or found about Nicol & Company. What we do know is that Nicol & Company was founded in 1883 in Chicago, Illinois. The company specialized in and took great pride in advertising their challenging “trick” safes and banks, which featured innovative opening devices and puzzle features as seen in the catalog page accompanying this item.  

Additional information

Weight 4 lbs
Dimensions 7 × 7 × 6 in
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