Bidspirit auction | Horse Race Bank - Straight

Horse Race Bank - Straight Base with Box - Scarce Example in Primary Colors. Made by the J. & E. Stevens Company. Cromwell, Connecticut - Mid 1870's. Patented in 1871, the Horse Race Bank must be seen as one of the earliest toy banks ever made. Stevens originally marketed it as the Race Course Bank and they offered it with both a straight base and a deluxe flanged base. To operate the Horse Race Bank, you must set the pair of tin equestrians at exactly the right starting point on the track. This is demarcated by a small painted star on the elaborate lattice-work base. It is visible to the left of the standing boy who takes your deposits in the form of a penny wager as to the outcome of the race. Which horse will gallop most quickly through the arches to the Winner's Circle. This is a genuinely dazzling example of the Horse Race Bank. Condition: Near Mint Condition with Original Box.