Bidspirit auction | Monkey and Coconut - Cast

Monkey and Coconut - Cast Iron Mechanical Bank - Made by J. & E. Stevens Company. Cromwell, Connecticut - Late 1880's. Made of Cast Iron. The imagery for this bank was inspired by the controversial debate that arose after Darwin's publication of The Origin of Species. The monkey is depicted with an opposable thumb and his demeanor is clearly marked with great charm and intellect. After all, he outwits us and grabs our coins with each playing of the bank. Works well. Part of the William Werbell Collection. Condition: Very Fine Condition. The rim of the base repainted gold long ago.