These items have been sold, and the description, image and price ($US) are for reference purposes only.

Money boxes, money safes, and mechanical banks have a long history, dating back to ancient times. Here is a brief overview of their evolution. The concept of money boxes can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used to store coins and other small valuables. In the Middle Ages, money boxes became more common, often taking the form of ceramic or wooden vessels with a slot or hole for inserting coins. In the 18th and 19th centuries, metal money boxes became popular, often shaped like animals or other whimsical objects.

Mechanical banks, which are designed to accept coins and then perform some sort of action, were first introduced in the 19th century. Some of the earliest examples were simple boxes with a lever that would trigger a mechanism to move a figure or object. As technology advanced, mechanical banks became more elaborate, featuring intricate designs and more... moving parts. They were often designed to appeal to children, and many featured popular characters from literature or pop culture. less...

A vintage cast iron football player money bank, the football…
Vintage English Football Player Money Bank by John Harper & Co

A vintage cast iron football player money bank, the football bank was manufactured by John Harper & Co Ltd of Willenhall England, #247 326. First issued 1895. The footballer kicks a penny coin into the small building, length 10.04 in.

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A cast iron standing bear money box, manufactured by John…
Antique Cast Iron Bear Money Box, 1911

A cast iron standing bear money box, manufactured by John Harper & Co., UK c.1911, overall original lacquer finish and paint highlight, height 6.10 in.

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A cast iron 'Transvaal Money Box' figured as S.A. President…
Kruger Money Box

A cast iron 'Transvaal Money Box' figured as S.A. President Kruger, manufactured by John Harper & Co., UK, c.1885, overall surface rust and remnants of paint finish, pipe absent, height 4.53 in.

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A vintage Dinah cast iron money bank, original base plate, by…
Antique Dinah Cast Iron Money Bank by John Harper & Co

A vintage Dinah cast iron money bank, original base plate, by John Harper & Co. U.K., c.1911. Height 6.69 in.

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A vintage cast iron money bank in the form of a football player…
Vintage Cast Iron Football Player Money Bank by John Harper

A vintage cast iron money bank in the form of a football player shooting a goal, by John Harper, UK. Registered No. 247326 1895. Comes with coins, length 10.04 in., height 4.33 in.

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A golliwog standing money box, manufactured by John Harper Ltd,…
Vintage Golliwog Money Box by John Harper Ltd

A golliwog standing money box, manufactured by John Harper Ltd, U.K.

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A vintage Dinah cast iron money bank, original base plate, by…
1911 Dinah Cast Iron Money Bank by John Harper & Co

A vintage Dinah cast iron money bank, original base plate, by John Harper & Co. U.K., 1911

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A vintage cast iron money bank, in the form of a seated lion,…
Antique Lion Money Bank by John Harper & Co

A vintage cast iron money bank, in the form of a seated lion, by John Harper & Co. UK 1911, Estimate

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A c.1910 English cast-iron standing Golliwog moneybox, by John…
English Cast-Iron Golliwog Moneybox by John Harper (c.1910)

A c.1910 English cast-iron standing Golliwog moneybox, by John Harper. Back head panel separate from body, height 5.91 in.

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An old Little Joe cast iron mechanical bank, made by John…
Antique Little Joe Mechanical Bank with Original Baseplate

An old Little Joe cast iron mechanical bank, made by John Harper Co., England, c.1910. Original baseplate in tact

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An old Dinah cast-iron mechanical bank, made by John Harper Co.,…
Antique Dinah Mechanical Bank, John Harper Co., c.1911

An old Dinah cast-iron mechanical bank, made by John Harper Co., England, c.1911. Missing baseplate

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A cast iron money Bank, 'John Harper Pat 636' design. Height 13…
Vintage Cast Iron Money Bank - John Harper Pat 636

A cast iron money Bank, 'John Harper Pat 636' design. Height 5.12 in. (as found)

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