Clown, Harlequin and Columbine Mechanical Bank

Clown, Harlequin and Columbine Mechanical Bank
Made by the J. & E. Stevens Company. Cromwell, Connecticut - Early 1880's. From the collection of Gertrude Hegarty. The Harlequin Bank, as it is more simply known, is imbued with rich color and dynamic action that includes turning and spinning movements. Thematic imagery for this beautiful piece derives from a British comedic style known as Harlequinade. Typically, these stagings were performed in pantomime, but some performances include spoken or sung passages. The bank depicts three distinct theatrical personalities, all set upon a stage of glittering silver and gold. The figures include the Clown (dressed in white), a masked Harlequin and a ballerina known as Columbine. This trio are three of the five central characters in each and every Harlequinade. The two other characters not present here are Pantaloon (Columbine's father) and his bumbling servant Pierrot. These stories always revolve around the Harlequin's interest in wooing Columbine. However, her father surreptitiously employs the Clown to keep the young lovers apart, thwarting the Harlequin's advances towards his daughter every time. In this instance, as the bank is operated, the Clown literally spins Columbine away from the clutches of the Harlequin. All in all, this is a remarkable visual entertainment. Unfortunately, with its thinly cast elements, most extant examples of the Harlequin Bank have been repaired. But this magnificent specimen from the eminent Hegarty Collection is absolutely perfect condition.
Condition: Near Mint Condition.