Roller Skating Bank

Roller Skating Bank
Kyser & Rex Company Frankford, Pennsylvania - Late 1880's Provenance: Bill Norman Collection Oliver Clark Collection Pristine Plus and Richly Saturated The Roller Skating Bank is arguably the most beautiful toy bank ever produced. The use of vivid color, coupled with the impressive engineering that effectuates the dynamic movement, raise it to a very exalted level in the pantheon of mechanical banks. Few other toys are as exciting as this one. In addition to its obvious visual charms, the Roller Skating Bank conveys a deep sense of nostalgia. In the background, a boy bends on his knees to lace the skates of a female companion. They are shown beneath what appears to be a two-armed gas chandelier. In the foreground, we encounter a boy in red costume and a girl wearing yellow. When the bank is operated, they race to the back of the elliptical track to determine who is faster on their skates. To the viewer, they appear to be evenly matched because they reach the referee at the same time. Yet, the ref always turns to his right to award the Winner's Wreath to the